Club legend says if Garnacho was rested he would come back with more fire in his belly
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has issued a strong warning to his former club amid growing speculation over Alejandro Garnacho’s future, insisting it would be “crazy” for the Red Devils to let the talented winger go this summer.
Speaking to PokerScout, Yorke made a passionate defence of the 20-year-old Argentine, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford following a turbulent end to the season.
Garnacho was left on the bench for much of the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham and was excluded entirely from the squad for United’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa, leading to speculation of a fallout with head coach Ruben Amorim.
“Manchester United would be crazy to think about selling Alejandro Garnacho,” Yorke said. “He is so young and is a super young player. There is a high expectation at United so it’s normal to see a dip in his form. The issue is that there isn’t really the squad to rest him because the replacements aren’t up to the same level. He is playing too much for his age and I sympathise with that.
“If he was rested he would come back with more fire in his belly. He needs that learning curve and it’s up to the manager to help that. But he’s not getting enough rest because United cannot afford to rest him. I think he looks a little bit burned out rather than anything else.”
Garnacho’s potential departure has been drawing serious interest since January. Newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli are keen on the winger, having reportedly submitted a €50 million bid in the winter transfer window that was turned down by United. Chelsea have also registered interest, with the Blues understood to have made direct contact with United. Sources close to the player say Garnacho would prefer to stay in the Premier League, which could give Chelsea an edge in negotiations.
However, United’s decision is also being shaped by financial strategy and not just Garnacho’s ability. As a product of the club’s academy, his sale would represent pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, which is attractive for the club as it looks to fund a summer rebuild under Amorim. Selling the Argentine could help finance moves to reinforce the attacking, midfield, and wing-back positions.
Nevertheless, Yorke believes offloading Garnacho would send the wrong message about the club’s direction. “United would be crazy to even think about getting rid of him,” he said.
