Chelsea star makes shocking admission on Man United exit after £40million transfer to Premier League rivals

Ed Griffiths
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:50:08 +0000

Alejandro Garnacho has confessed that his own behaviour played a part in his turbulent departure from Manchester United last summer.

The Chelsea winger, who moved to Stamford Bridge in a £40million transfer, spoke candidly to Premier League Productions about the circumstances surrounding his Old Trafford exit.

The 21-year-old said: "I remember in the last six months I was just not playing like before at Manchester United. I started to be on the bench, it's not a bad thing, I was only 20 years old, but in my mind it was like I had to play every game.

"In my mind, maybe it is also on me, I started to do some bad things."

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When asked whether leaving United caused him pain, the Argentina international acknowledged it did hurt him deeply.

Garnacho explained: "Maybe yes, because I loved that club. They gave me the confidence from the start, from Spain, to bring me to the academy, then they bring me to the first team, so it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone, from the fans, the stadium, everything was really good."

The Argentine's relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim deteriorated significantly during his final months at the club.

Tensions reached a breaking point following United's Europa League final loss to Tottenham in May, when Garnacho publicly expressed frustration at being used only as a late substitute.

His brother Roberto further inflamed the situation by posting on social media, accusing Amorim of throwing the winger "under the bus".

Garnacho also drew criticism for sharing an image of himself wearing an Aston Villa shirt bearing Marcus Rashford's name, another player who had fallen out of favour with Amorim.

Despite the acrimonious circumstances of his departure, Garnacho insists he holds no bitterness towards his former club.

He said: "It's just sometimes you have to change for the good of your life or the next steps. I only have good memories of Man United."

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The winger, who joined United's academy from Spain as a teenager in 2020, spent five years at the club before his move to west London.

He scored in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City alongside Kobbie Mainoo, a highlight of his time in Manchester.

Garnacho added: "With United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, no one in the club or the teammates. It's just a moment in life that changes and life continues. I have no regrets."

Garnacho's first season at Chelsea has proven challenging, with the winger making 37 appearances across all competitions and scoring eight goals.

He has started 20 matches under Liam Rosenior, who took charge in January following Enzo Maresca.

Back in March, Rosenior said: "Garna is a top player. What I've really liked in this period is his reaction to not starting. He's been training very well and showed real positivity when he came on against Arsenal."

The manager highlighted the importance of consistency for young players while praising Garnacho's attitude in training and meetings.

Rosenior added: "We have got to take into account that Garna is 21, he's got huge ability and huge potential."