Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho responds Erik ten Hag comments
(Image: Ash Donelon)

Alejandro Garnacho 'likes' criticism of Erik ten Hag with Man United decision branded 'joke'

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho seems to have shared his views on being replaced at half-time against AFC Bournemouth in a subtle manner

by · Manchester Evening News

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has responded to Erik ten Hag's decision to hook him at half-time in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth.

The winger started at the Vitality Stadium as United looked to apply pressure on the chasing pack for Champions League football. However, it was another frustrating afternoon away from Old Trafford for the Reds as they failed to defeat the Cherries.

Dominic Solanke opened the scoring in the first-half after Garnacho gave the ball away inside United's half before the winger played a big part in Bruno Fernandes' leveller. Justin Kluivert made it 2-1 before Fernandes rescued a point from the spot.

READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings as Bruno Fernandes shines but Casemiro poor vs Bournemouth

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes uses angry exchange with Onana and Ten Hag to help Manchester United at Bournemouth

Garnacho's afternoon ended early when he was replaced by Amad Diallo at half-time. After the game, Ten Hag confirmed the decision was primarily tactical due to problems down their right-hand side - where both of Bournemouth's goals came from.

"We lost some balls in areas we shouldn't lose them," he said. "If you see the first goal, the set-up was good but in that area you should never lose the ball but it's still not a goal. On the right side defending we had some problems in the first half. At half-time, we repaired it.

"In the second half, Harry was better, we repaired it on the right side and we took more control of the game and if we would have been more calm and composed, we could have had a win.

"First half, they were better. They created chances but the good thing is we returned twice from losing positions. So this team, the spirit is good, the resilience is good, they showed some character.

"I think we had to repair over the right side. We didn't play well, the spaces were there. In possession, we had to bring a sub there.

"Garnacho was during the week not training. Only yesterday. We thought to bring some energy and bring some more quality, quality in the sense of cooperation and togetherness on that right-hand side."

Following Ten Hag's admission of United's problem down the right-hand side, Garnacho has responded on social media by liking two tweets about his substitution.

Alejandro Garnacho came off at half-time for Manchester United against Bournemouth
(Image: Marc Atkins)

Well-known United supporter Mark Goldbridge slammed Ten Hag's decision to replace Garnacho on X, formerly Twitter. Garnacho liked the two tweets from Goldbridge.

The first tweet read: "Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half but taking him off at half-time and holding him up as the problem is a joke. Many have done much worse week in week out and are still out there."

Two hours later, Goldbridge added: "Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post-match press conference... not a good look throwing a 19-year-old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he's clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners."

Try MUFC Pro NOW for free

Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N's unrivalled Manchester United coverage.

  • No adverts, pop-ups or distractions - just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible.
  • Comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the Reds, with agenda-setting breaking news and insight from Samuel Luckhurst and our authoritative team of United writers
  • Exclusive content for subscribers
  • New interactive elements including (coming soon) quizzes to test your United knowledge.

Try MUFC Pro for a front-row seat to the action at absolutely no cost for the first month. You can get started by downloading our app here on iPhone, or here on Android. If you already have our app, click on the ''MUFC Pro',' Subscribe' or ' Remove ads' links.

*Free trial auto renews at £19.99 annually unless cancelled. T&C’s apply. Ad-free indicates that you will not be shown standard display ad formats with the articles that you read, selected articles may contain commercial messages/affiliate links where contractually required.