Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim insists Alejandro Garnacho remains an integral part of the club’s future, despite rumors linking the young Argentine with a move away from Old Trafford, Soccernet.football reports.
Garnacho has drawn interest from Serie A side Napoli as they search for a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain. The 20-year-old has had a mixed season so far, netting three goals in 19 Premier League appearances and losing his place in United’s starting XI.
Amorim handed Garnacho a return to the starting XI during United’s FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal. In that match, the Red Devils fought valiantly with 10 men to secure a 1-1 draw in extra time before triumphing in a penalty shootout.
Quizzed during a press conference about the youngster’s future at the club in the wake of recent links with a move away, Amorim responded; “That is clear, he has talent. He needs to learn to play a little bit in a different position, he needs to play better inside.”
Amorim explained further; “He improved a lot in the recovering position, when he doesn’t have the ball, but, doing that, sometimes he’s not in the right place to make transitions, like he was in the past, because I prefer to defend and then build up with all the team to make the final third.
“So he’s finding the best way to play in this system. He’s improving, during training. So he started the last game [at the Emirates Stadium], let’s see tomorrow.”
Amorim’s United will welcome relegation-threatened Southampton to Old Trafford on Thursday. Following impressive performances against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League and FA Cup respectively, the Red Devils will head into their encounter with the Saints, boasting plenty of confidence.