Alejandro Garnacho’s potential exit from Manchester United could leave Sir Alex Ferguson seething – just months after the departure fellow academy graduate Scott McTominay.
The 20-year-old joined the club’s youth system in 2020 after signing from Atletico Madrid but his time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.
Following his surprise omission from United’s matchday squad ahead of the Manchester derby last month, alongside Marcus Rashford, the Argentina international hasn’t started a league match since.
According to The Independent, the winger has been identified by Napoli as a replacement for the departing Kvicha Kvaratskhelia who is inching closer to a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Garnacho’s potential exit this month would mark two consecutive transfer windows where United would part ways with academy graduates, following McTominay’s sale to the Naples-based club last summer.
On top of Ferguson’s proponent of bringing in players from within a club’s own youth system, the Red Devils icon has praised both players in the past. The 83-year-old called Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – who is reportedly unhappy with his current contract – the “heart and soul” of the club after breaking into the senior side last season.
“[They are] the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing,” he told TikTok star Jamal Niaz. “They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first-team, and not be daunted by it.
“In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].” Ferguson was similarly complimentary of McTominay, who had been with United for 20 years before leaving for Italy last summer.
Speaking to the Scottish FA in 2021, Ferguson said: “Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United’s big players. When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay’s name is in it. He’s a good character, a great trainer. I know a little bit about the boy and I think that’s the background.”
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