Manchester United's promising young talent Alejandro Garnacho has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after the team's devastating 4-3 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 19-year-old Argentine winger sparked controversy by actively engaging with posts that heavily criticised both his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag during the dramatic Thursday night collapse.
The Social Media Misstep
Garnacho took to platform X (formerly Twitter) where he visibly liked two particularly inflammatory posts in the immediate aftermath of the match. One targeted United's defensive vulnerabilities, while another directly questioned Ten Hag's substitution decisions and tactical approach.
Perhaps most damaging was his endorsement of a post suggesting that United's players had "downed tools" and were no longer performing for their manager - a serious allegation in any football club.
Fan Reaction and Backlash
The teenager's digital activity didn't go unnoticed, sparking immediate backlash from supporters and pundits alike. Many questioned the professionalism of publicly engaging with such criticism, particularly from a player who had been substituted during the match himself.
United fans expressed their disappointment across social media platforms, with some describing the actions as "immature" and "unprofessional" for a player representing one of football's biggest institutions.
Ten Hag's Substitution Under Fire
The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny over Ten Hag's management decisions. Garnacho was surprisingly withdrawn at half-time during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Brentford, and while he started against Chelsea, his early substitution raised eyebrows once again.
The young forward was replaced by Antony in the 66th minute, with United leading 2-1 at the time. What followed was a spectacular collapse that saw the Red Devils concede twice in stoppage time.
Broader Implications for United
This incident adds to the growing list of challenges facing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. The Dutch manager has faced persistent questions about his relationship with various squad members throughout a difficult season.
While Garnacho has been one of United's brighter sparks this campaign, this social media controversy represents another distraction for a club struggling to maintain consistency and unity during a turbulent period.
As Manchester United prepares for their crucial upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on how Ten Hag handles this latest internal challenge and whether Garnacho learns from this very public lesson in professional conduct.
