Manchester United's rising star Alejandro Garnacho has sparked a major controversy, landing himself at the centre of a Football Association investigation. The incident stems from a now-deleted social media post that appeared to take a direct swipe at under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
The drama unfolded in the aftermath of United's chaotic 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on Saturday. Garnacho, who was substituted at half-time, took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, where he posted two emojis: a pair of eyes and a gorilla. The cryptic message was widely interpreted by fans and pundits as a mocking reference to comments made by Ten Hag about the team's performance.
Ten Hag's Post-Match Comments Fuel the Fire
The Dutch manager had been fiercely critical of his side's display, particularly in the first half. "We started poorly, giving away a soft penalty," Ten Hag stated. "We had to change. We decided to bring on another player in the frontline who is more available, who can drop and link up. We did it to get more control in the game."
This public explanation for Garnacho's early withdrawal is believed to be the catalyst for the Argentine winger's ill-advised online reaction, plunging the club into yet another off-pitch distraction.
FA Launches Formal Probe into Alleged Misconduct
The Football Association has now confirmed it is looking into the matter. An FA spokesperson stated: "We are aware of the matter and are investigating." The governing body will likely seek observations from both the player and Manchester United before deciding on any potential charge for misconduct.
This development casts a shadow over the club during a difficult period. The draw against Bournemouth further dented United's hopes of securing Champions League football next season, leaving them ten points adrift of the top four.
Amorim Speculation and Internal Tensions
Compounding the sense of turmoil at Old Trafford is the intense speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future. Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, who was in London this weekend, has been heavily linked with the United job should the Dutchman be dismissed.
This internal strife, combined with the Garnacho incident, paints a picture of a club grappling with significant challenges both on and off the pitch. All eyes will be on how the club handles this latest disciplinary issue involving one of its most promising young talents.
