The ex-Manchester United star’s career really hasn’t hit the heights since he left – and things looked very bleak for him on Wednesday night as Aston Villa sailed through in the Carabao Cup
Former Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has been told he’s ‘finished’ and isn’t fancied by Unai Emery after being left on the bench during Aston Villa’s comfortable Carabao Cup win on Wednesday night. The clash against Coventry City was highlighted as a chance for the forward to impress, but he was an unused substitute, leaving fans baffled by his exclusion.
Garnacho knew he wouldn’t get on the pitch with around 15 minutes of the match remaining when Emery used all five of his changes available. He joined Villa on loan from Chelsea in the summer, but has barely played for his new club.
He has, in fact, been an unused substitute for the last three games in all competitions. And that has not been lost on fans on social media, who fear Garnacho’s career may be declining already.
“Garnacho is really finished, still can’t start a cup game?” One said. A second added: “Is Garnacho finished here already?” Others aimed jibes at the 22-year-old, highlighting similarities with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who endured a torrid loan spell at Villa last season.
“Garnacho is 100% Harvey Elliott Mk II,” a third said, referring to Elliott’s unsuccessful loan at Villa Park from Liverpool last season. A fourth added: “Garnacho must really be doing something wrong.”
Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore wrote: “No Garnacho at all tonight. That last chance saloon closing time is edging ever near.”
The decision not to put Garnacho on the pitch was made despite Villa leading 3-1 for most of the second half. Emery instead opted to turn to Emiliano Buendia, Nicolas Jackson, Johan Manzambi and Alysson.
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Garnacho completed a £40 million move from United to Chelsea in the summer of 2025. He has struggled to make an impact since his exit from Old Trafford.
Last season, he made 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. However, most of those appearances came from the bench, leading to him moving to Villa on loan in search of more regular game time.
The 22-year-old came up through the youth teams at United after moving from Atletico Madrid in 2020. During his time at Old Trafford, he played 144 first-team games, scoring 26 goals and providing 22 assists before falling out of favour and pushing a move away from the club.
Despite suspicions that Emery doesn’t rate him, the Villa boss insisted there is a long-term plan after admitting the forward needs to improve. “We want him at the same level he was for Chelsea in the first part of last season and in Manchester two years ago,” he said.
“He is a player we have signed for a long time, and we will help him to feel comfortable and confident to get his quality,” said Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager.
“First is positive – his attitude. His attitude is very important, he is getting the commitment we need to achieve it.”
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