Alejandro Garnacho made his first appearance for Aston Villa on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes as Villa beat Indonesia All Stars 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
The winger joined Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea, 12 months after leaving Manchester United in a £40m deal. The loan includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
After the match, Garnacho posted on his Instagram story: "See you soon Bangkok! First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again. One per cent every day. Thanks Indonesia."
Fans blame Chelsea for Garnacho's confidence
Garnacho's display drew reaction from fans of United, Chelsea and Villa, with many in agreement that Chelsea had contributed to a drop in the Argentina international's confidence.
One fan wrote: "Chelsea made my boy lose his confidence. 19-year-old Garnacho would do take ons and shoot immediately the post is on sight. Now we watch him do back passes and being too careful even when he’s in the box."
Another added: "Garnacho clearly has ability, can see it in his first touch. He was frustrated, he made a lot of runs and wasn’t found. Clearly lacking in confidence too."
One more fan wrote: "I'm afraid the old Garnacho is gone. The criticism and constant negativity seem to have gotten to him. Confidence is a fragile thing, and once it's broken, it can change a player completely."
While another said: "Garnacho debut for Aston Villa, why do I feel he’s learning and correcting all his mistakes."
Permanent option and United reunion
Villa have the option to sign Garnacho permanently next summer, with the fee believed to be worth around £42.5m.
United could face their former winger this season, with Villa visiting Old Trafford on November 7 and United travelling to Villa Park on January 16.
