Alejandro Garnacho sent brutal message as ex-Man Utd star ‘torn apart’ | Football | Sport

Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato were also substituted with Wesley Fofana, Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella introduced, all three making their mark. The latter pair both found the net whilst Fofana provided Pedro’s goal and the Brazilian set up Enzo Fernandez for a dramatic late winner.

Liam Rosenior’s tactical changes proving decisive serves as a damning verdict on Garnacho, who endured a woeful opening 45 minutes. Assessing his showing, Bobby Vincent, the chief Chelsea correspondent for the Express’ sister-title football.london, offered perspective on what many made of his contribution.

He said as part of his player ratings: “Garnacho kept turning the ball over needlessly. The fans got on his back a bit. Had it hard against Aaron Wan-Bissaka down Chelsea’s left-hand side. Hooked at half-time. 3.” Gary Neville was also critical of Garnacho, suggesting Rosenior would have been entirely justified in withdrawing either player during the opening period.

He said on Sky Sports: “I’m very surprised Liam Rosenior hasn’t acted. I know it’s harsh to substitute a player in the first half, but they have been absolutely torn apart down this side.” Garnacho has experienced a patchy beginning to his west London career following his £40million transfer from United with six goals and three assists during that period.

The bulk of those direct goal involvements have originated from substitute appearances, with the 21-year-old demonstrating he performs considerably better when making an impact from the bench. This was evidenced last month through his double strike for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

Garnacho was excluded from the United squad by Ruben Amorim before his Chelsea transfer, with questions raised regarding his mentality. He has displayed no signs of such issues at his new club, though some of his starting performances have been worrying.

With Amorim having since left his post, there might have been an opportunity for redemption at United had he not departed permanently. Marcus Rashford retains the possibility of revitalising his career at his boyhood club, having joined Barcelona only on loan, though the Spanish side possess a purchase option they can exercise.