Lyon left-back Nicolas Tagliafico blamed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and other players for not supporting attacker Alejandro Garnacho enough. The 2022 World Cup Winner believes that the manager and Garnacho’s teammates must back him during the ongoing difficult times.
Man United are currently 13th in the Premier League table with the Europa League as their only salvation to succeed. The Red Devils could also secure the next season’s Champions League spot by triumphing in their current Europa League campaign.
However, they face Lyon as the next opponent in the Quarter-final with the first leg on Thursday at Groupama Stadium. The French side are currently fifth in the Ligue 1, fighting with just two points separating them from second-placed Marseille.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Tagliafico blamed Amorim and other United players for not supporting Garnacho since the Portuguese got appointed. He said:
“I know he has had some difficult moments under the coach but maybe he needs more support on the pitch. Sometimes it is more about communication. When a winger plays in front of me, I like to talk to him. Encourage him to take on one v one more or say when to tuck in. He is still very young. Maybe that’s what he needs more at United. But he is very fast, he has talent. For sure he can be a star.”
Whether Tagliafico meant what he said to back his compatriot or if he is just playing mind games before the game is up for debate. However, there is a point in the Lyon left-back’s opinion as Garnacho has struggled to contribute consistently.
The United squad has failed to adjust to the new tactical style of play which Amorim has demanded from them. The former Sporting CP boss allowed Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on a loan deal during the January window.
The situation leaves Garnacho with a few other attacking options with captain Bruno Fernandes also playing as an attacker occasionally. With the summer window drawing near, the young Argentine has a lot to prove in a short amount of time.
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At 20 years of age, Garnacho is still young but United’s financial situation puts every underperforming player at risk. The Argentina international should use Tagliafico’s comment as a driving force to prove the Lyon left-back wrong this Thursday.