Manchester United’s crushing 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on Wednesday night at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium has sparked a wave of disappointment, with young star Alejandro Garnacho at the center of the post-match fallout. The 20-year-old Argentine winger, relegated to the bench for the season-defining clash, expressed deep frustration with his limited role and the team’s dismal campaign, while his brother, Roberto Garnacho, publicly criticized manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics. The loss not only marked the end of United’s hopes for European silverware but also confirmed their worst season in 51 years, with no wins in the Premier League and no European football next season.
Garnacho, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise bleak season for the Red Devils, was surprisingly named among the substitutes by Amorim, with Mason Mount chosen to start on the left wing alongside Amad in support of striker Rasmus Hojlund. The decision raised eyebrows, given Garnacho’s significant contributions in the Europa League, where he started 10 of United’s 14 matches in the competition. Introduced in the 71st minute, Garnacho made an immediate impact, driving into the box and forcing a sharp save from Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. However, it was too little, too late, as Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal secured the trophy for Spurs, ending their 17-year trophy drought and earning them Champions League qualification.
Speaking to the media after the match, Garnacho did not hold back, describing the season as “crap” and lamenting his reduced role in the final. “I played every round to help the team reach the final, and today I only got 20 minutes,” he told ESPN Argentina. “This season was bad. Losing the final now and not beating anyone in the league.” His comments reflected the frustration felt by many United fans, who watched their team struggle through a torrid domestic campaign, finishing 16th in the Premier League. Garnacho’s remarks also hinted at uncertainty about his future, as he added, “I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next,” fueling speculation about a potential transfer away from Old Trafford.
The winger’s brother, Roberto, who also serves as his agent, took to social media to vent his anger at Amorim’s decision to bench Garnacho. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus. Wow, hahahaha.” The pointed criticism referenced Garnacho’s goals in the previous year’s FA Cup final and Community Shield, underscoring his clutch performances in high-stakes matches. Roberto’s post stirred controversy, amplifying tensions between the Garnacho camp and Amorim, who has faced scrutiny for his tactical choices since taking over at United.
Amorim defended his decision to start Mount over Garnacho, stating, “I feel that Mason Mount in this moment gives us a different balance.” He also appeared to reference Garnacho’s missed opportunity in the semi-final, saying, “Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Football is like that.” The Portuguese manager’s comments did little to quell the growing discontent, with reports suggesting Garnacho’s frustration could lead to a summer exit. His 10 goals and 11 assists in the 2024/25 season rank him second only to Bruno Fernandes in United’s squad for goal involvements, making his potential departure a significant concern for the club.