Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has launched a scathing attack on Alejandro Garnacho, claiming the winger would have been 'taken out in training' had they been team-mates in his era. Butt, who served as academy manager during Garnacho's arrival at 16, criticised the Argentine's attitude on and off the pitch.
Speaking on the podcast 'The Good, The Bad and The Football', Butt did not hold back: 'Forget his ability, I don't think he is that great anyway, but his attitude was a disgrace at Man United. He would have got treated really badly, he would've got taken out in training, if he was brought up with us.'
Butt revealed that Garnacho had a high opinion of himself from a young age. 'He was always a bit stand-offish, always thought he should be playing. He got above his station way too quickly.' The former midfielder pointed to Garnacho's stunning bicycle kick as a turning point, saying he 'went like that [points up]' and needed someone to 'swat him down'.
The criticism echoes Rio Ferdinand's own treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo, Garnacho's idol, at Old Trafford. Ferdinand admitted to 'borderline bullying' the teenage Ronaldo to build his resilience, leaving him 'almost crying' after intense one-on-one battles.
Chelsea signed Garnacho for £40 million last summer, but the winger has struggled to make an impact. Butt believes the sale was the best move for United, despite his hope that young players succeed.
