Alejandro Garnacho was subjected to scathing criticism from several Manchester United icons
Alejandro Garnacho has completed his second move in as many years after a dismal debut campaign at Chelsea. The Argentina international joined the Blues in a £40million move last year but scored just eight goals in 43 games across all competitions.
Just one of his goals came in the Premier League and the west London club have now ended the experiment with the ex-Man United star after agreeing a season-long loan deal with Aston Villa. The 22-year-old has long been brushed with accusations that he’s arrogant and lacks discipline.
His off-field behaviour has been commented on at numerous occasions by United icons who’ll certainly feel vindicated by their remarks as Garnacho’s career hits another bump.
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Paul Parker
Manchester United icon Paul Parker was initially against Garnacho’s move to Stamford Bridge. Parker – who spent five years at Old Trafford – had told the Argentine that a move abroad was best for his career.
He said in June 2025: “I also think it would be a bad decision for both him and Chelsea if he went there. He needs a bit of fresh air. He needs a change of environment, and I think he could benefit from a move to another country.”
A common criticism of the 22-year-old has been his attitude. Parker claimed that not only does Garnacho lack discipline, but he also doesn’t believe he’ll ever improve that aspect of his game. He added: “He doesn’t have the right attitude and he doesn’t want to put in enough work. I don’t think that ever will change.”
Nicky Butt
Nicky Butt previously worked with Garnacho in United’s youth setup and has since slammed the forward for his behaviour upon his exit from the club. Butt, 50, said he thought Garnacho had gotten too big for his boots at Old Trafford and his departure was the “best thing” his former club had done.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football, he said: “I thought he had an edge about him. And when he got into the first team – I will just say what I think because I was there – he got above his station way too quick. He got superstar status way too quick.
“And that’s not a former player saying they get paid too much, I hope young players get paid millions, but he got superstar status too quick and he obviously scored the bicycle kick which was phenomenal. Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them.
“But the best thing United did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don’t think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at United. More importantly when he left, and if you completely disrespect your teammates and the football club when you leave, then that’s it.”
Paul Scholes
Butt’s former team-mate and podcast partner Paul Scholes was equally critical of Garnacho’s attitude, especially during his time at Chelsea. The United icon claimed Garnacho was not a team player and only cared about his individual achievements.
Scholes said on the same show: “Looking in from the outside, and I don’t know him as well as Nicky, but the impression you got was that the only person Garnacho cared about was himself. He’s only 21, someone might take a chance on him.
“Hope that he finally grows up. He was United’s biggest threat for a long time. But it’s my biggest hate in football, only interested in himself. Only cares about himself. If you lost 8-1 and he scored, he’d be happy.
“I don’t think the manager has got the stature in the game to control Garnacho, either. I don’t think the characters are there at Chelsea. He should go to Atletico Madrid. That will be the only place that sorts him out.
“I think he’s that type of signing for them. They are a £30m, £40m club and they’ll think Diego Simeone can control him. If Diego Simeone can’t, no one can.”
Teddy Sheringham
Another denouncer of Garnacho’s decision to join Chelsea was Teddy Sheringham. The former United and England striker said Garnacho made sure a possible return to Old Trafford was impossible by moving to one of their top rivals.
He told Poker Strategy: “I think Alejandro Garnacho is a very talented player, but only time will tell whether he’s able to be a success at Chelsea. “He will have been disappointed not to get off the bench in the game at Old Trafford.
“He made a big move in leaving Manchester United for Chelsea, and it’s not one I would have advised him to make if I were a part of his team. When you’re at United you have to try your utmost to make it work.
“It is the biggest club in the world, so you won’t be leaving for a better club, and the opportunity to come back won’t be there, especially with the manner in which he left and the way the fans have reacted to it.”
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