Ruben Amorim revealed on Friday that Alejandro Garnacho will take his teammates out for dinner as an apology for heading straight down the tunnel after being substituted in Manchester United’s Premier League win over Ipswich.
Patrick Dorgu’s red card just before halftime on Wednesday prompted a tactical reshuffle, leading to 20-year-old Argentina international Garnacho being replaced by defender Noussair Mazraoui. Instead of taking a seat on the bench, he immediately walked off the pitch.
Speaking after United’s 3-2 victory, Amorim said he would address the issue with Garnacho. However, the winger took the initiative and approached the manager himself the following morning.
“He came to me,” Amorim said ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham. “It was funny because the next day he came to my office.
“I did some checking, and he actually went to the dressing room, changed his clothes because he was wet, and watched the rest of the game from a different location—not on the bench. At the end of the match, he was there, then he went home, so there’s no issue.
“But I told him that at Manchester United, everything matters. Perception at a big club is very important. So, he’s going to treat the whole team to dinner, and that’s that.”
Amorim downplayed the situation, noting Garnacho had also shared an Instagram story of himself looking disappointed after being substituted.
“He’s a young player who will learn,” Amorim said. “The important thing is that he came to speak with me the next morning.”
Former United manager Erik ten Hag, who guided the team to FA Cup success last season before his dismissal in October, recently commented that modern footballers struggle with criticism.
Amorim acknowledged the difficulties players face in today’s social media-driven world.
“It’s completely different for players now,” he said. “Before, there were just two newspapers and nothing more. Now, with social media, everything is different.
“They are so focused on it. You can’t open social media without seeing news, a photo, or a comment. Even if you have 100 positive messages, one negative comment can grab all your attention.”
With United enduring a disappointing Premier League campaign, retaining the FA Cup remains a crucial target this season.
During Friday’s press conference, Amorim was also asked about former United captain Roy Keane’s harsh criticism of Bruno Fernandes. Keane, now a pundit, had questioned Fernandes’ leadership, claiming “talent is not enough” and labeling him “not a fighter.”
Amorim defended his captain, saying, “I heard about that. I have a different opinion. Bruno is really important for us, especially for me.
“I know sometimes his body language—raising his arms—might look like he’s criticizing teammates, but I think it’s mostly frustration with how things have gone this season and last.
“Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Roy Keane has high standards from his playing days, so it’s normal.
“But my opinion is the opposite—and I think mine matters more than Keane’s because I am the coach. I believe Bruno is doing a good job.”
