Alejandro Garnacho dropping explained for Man Utd clash with Southampton after Cristiano Ronaldo controversy
Alejandro Garnacho has been dropped by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for today's Premier League clash with Southampton
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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has dropped Alejandro Garnacho for today's Premier League match with Southampton.
The Argentina international recently raised eyebrows by appearing to back Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism of his manager.
Garnacho liked a post from Fabrizio Romano on Instagram that contained quotes from Ronaldo, who hit out at Ten Hag for saying the Red Devils can't currently compete for the biggest trophies on offer.
The United star has now been benched for today's match with Southampton, with Amad Diallo preferred on the right wing instead.
Alejandro Garnacho has been dropped by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for today's Premier League clash with Southampton
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Some United fans on social media believe Garnacho has paid the price for his antics.
But beIN Sports insist that isn't the case, suggesting the decision is actually a tactical one instead.
Ten Hag has also decided to roll the dice by bringing Christian Eriksen into the team for Casemiro.
Casemiro was poor against Liverpool last time out, with the Brazil international making two costly mistakes that directly led to goals for the Reds.
Ten Hag, when quizzed on the decision, told TNT Sports: "He [Eriksen] has had a good pre-season, in training he's had very good performances. So, he has earned a start."
New signing Manuel Ugarte has been left on the bench, along with Casemiro.
Ten Hag added: "Manuel, we have to integrate into the team.
"He has only had two sessions, we have to integrate and that takes time.
"We have a squad and we offer a lot of games, he will play I am convinced of this."
One player to keep his place in the team, despite his inconsistent form, is Marcus Rashford.
The 26-year-old has been widely criticised for his performances so far this term, with the England international yet to get off the mark.
But Ten Hag remains adamant Rashford will come good, with the 54-year-old saying: "Not only today, but he's in a good place and he needs a goal or an assist.
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Alejandro Garnacho seemed to back Cristiano Ronaldo after the football icon blasted Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag
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"Last game he had very good crosses. That moment will come, we will wait for that momentum and then he will fly.
"All strikers want to score and from my experience once a striker starts scoring they are going to fly."
Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag ahead of the match at St Mary's.
He was kept on despite the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League table last term.
Alejandro Garnacho has been replaced by Amad Diallo for Man Utd's Premier League clash with Southampton
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With two defeats from three matches - and three from four if you count the Community Shield - calls for him to be axed continue to grow louder.
Yet Ten Hag insists this match is a game like any other, with the Dutchman adding: "A must-win. Every game is a must-win.
"Never change the approach to a game we always have to win."
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