Ruben Amorim says it is “clear” that Alejandro Garnacho could have a bright future at Manchester United despite reports linking him with an exit from Old Trafford during the January transfer window. Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Arsenal, which United won on penalties, was Garnacho’s first time in Amorim’s starting line-up since a 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on 7 December. During that period, the 20-year-old, who has eight goals in 30 appearances this season, was left out of the squad entirely for the Manchester derby, while speculation increased that United could be open to selling the academy product to free up cash.
But United have distanced themselves from suggestions that Garnacho could leave this month despite his links with Napoli.
When asked on Wednesday whether the Argentina international had the qualities needed to shine at Old Trafford, Amorim said: “That’s clear.
“He has talent. He must learn to play in a different position.”
“He’s finding the best way to play in this system,” added Amorim, whose 15th-placed side host bottom of the Premier League side Southampton on Thursday. “He’s improving in training. He played in the last game. Let’s see tomorrow (against Southampton).”
United showed their determination in winning on penalties on Sunday over Arsenal after reducing their squad to 10 players following the sending off of Diogo Dalot, a week after a difficult 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
“I think we want to be a hard team to play,” Amorim said. “I seemed to have this feeling, especially at home in the last few games, that we were playing easy. We have to be honest about that.
“So, if we approach the competition the right way, we’re going to be tough to beat anyone. So that’s what I wanted. And that’s how I felt in the last two games.”
He singled out the Portuguese manager for praise, Harry Maguire.
The former captain scored 104 minutes against Arsenal despite suffering from illness and missing training the previous Friday and Amorim said that is the kind of attitude he wants to see across the entire squad.
“I think we should give Harry more praise than I do,” he said. He added, “He is doing a wonderful job. He was sick in the last match. He died in the end. This is what I want from every player. He must continue to do a good job.”
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