Manchester United's rising star Alejandro Garnacho has found himself at the centre of a social media firestorm after posting controversial content in the wake of his team's devastating defeat to Chelsea.
The Dramatic Collapse at Stamford Bridge
United appeared to be cruising to victory at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, leading 3-2 as the match entered stoppage time. However, in a stunning turn of events, Cole Palmer completed his hat-trick with two rapid-fire goals in the 100th and 101st minutes, sealing a remarkable 4-3 comeback for the Blues.
Garnacho's Social Media Misstep
Rather than maintaining a dignified silence after the heartbreaking loss, the 19-year-old Argentine took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, with two now-deleted posts that have drawn widespread condemnation.
His first post simply stated "Burgers," accompanied by two clown emojis - a move interpreted by many as mocking Chelsea's celebrations. The second, more controversial update featured a picture of the remarkable stoppage-time period displayed on the stadium screen, captioned with two crying laughing emojis.
Backlash from Football Community
The posts sparked immediate outrage from fans and pundits alike, with many labelling the young winger's behaviour as "disrespectful" and "unprofessional."
Critics were quick to point out the irony of Garnacho mocking opponents after his own team had surrendered a winning position in such dramatic fashion. The incident has raised questions about the player's maturity and understanding of professional decorum following a significant defeat.
Damage Control Attempt
Garnacho eventually deleted both posts, but not before they had been widely screenshotted and circulated across social media platforms. The deletion suggests recognition that the posts had crossed the line of acceptable behaviour for a professional footballer.
Broader Implications for United
This social media controversy compounds what has been a challenging season for the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag. The dramatic collapse against Chelsea represents another low point in a campaign plagued by inconsistency and disappointing results.
The incident also raises questions about the culture within the United dressing room and the guidance being given to young players about their conduct both on and off the pitch.
As United look to salvage their season, Ten Hag will need to address not only the team's defensive frailties but also the discipline and professionalism of his squad members in the public eye.
