Garnacho's return is a referendum on Amorim he cannot afford to be embarrassed | David Hytner

"Alejandro Garnacho left Manchester United for Chelsea at the end of August under a cloud. The quintessential Gen Z footballer, who appears to divide his time evenly between having his head up on the pitch and his head down in his phone off it, had made one faux pas too many on social media. The 21-year-old's attitude had been slated: he was petulant, self-absorbed; he played for himself and not the team, failing to follow tactical instructions."

"It was certainly the view of Ruben Amorim, who did not take long after his arrival at United last November to feel the hackles rise when it came to Garnacho. The head coach's view would only harden. He wanted Garnacho out, casting him into his bomb squad at the beginning of the summer. It was a move endorsed by the hierarchy. So when Garnacho returns to Old Trafford with Chelsea on Saturday the haste dramatic, indecent it is likely there will be a negative reaction."

"There is a constituency of United fans who retain a good deal of affection and appreciation for Garnacho, who has been central to some of the club's better moments in recent times after his first-team break-through in 2022-23 under Erik ten Hag. They loved singing Viva Garnacho to the same tune as their old serenade for Cristiano Ronaldo Garnacho's idol. They were energised when he tore in from the left; quick, skilful, direct, capable of the spectacular."

Alejandro Garnacho left Manchester United for Chelsea at the end of August amid criticism over his social media behaviour and perceived attitude. Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim grew impatient with Garnacho's tactical non-compliance and ultimately placed him in the club's summer 'bomb squad', a decision supported by the hierarchy. Returning to Old Trafford with Chelsea will likely draw a negative reaction from many match-going United fans who back their manager. A significant group of supporters, however, remain fond of Garnacho for his breakthrough form from 2022-23, his explosive wing play and moments of spectacular skill. Brashness and ambition, including his desire for the No 7 shirt, shaped perceptions.

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