Alendra Garnacho celebrates with Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho after scoring their second goal during their UEFA Europa League match against FC Steaua Bucharest in Bucharest on Thursday. Photo: Andrei Pungovchi/AFP
Image: Andrei Pungovchi/AFP
Ruben Amorim says Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has won him over by changing "everything" since the Argentinian was dropped for the derby win against Manchester City.
Amorim surprisingly axed Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from the United squad for the 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in December.
Rashford remains in exile and has hinted he wants to leave Old Trafford, with Amorim urging the England forward to improve his standards if he wants to play for the club again.
In contrast, Garnacho has ignored speculation he could be sold before the transfer window closes on Monday, impressing Amorim with his improved attitude and performances.
The 20-year-old maintained his renaissance by coming off the bench to provide the assist for Kobbie Mainoo's goal in United's 2-0 win at FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday.
"He changed right away since that game against City. The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games," Amorim said.
"He changed in everything — the approach when you talk with him, the way he recovers."
Garnacho has often been used as an impact substitute by Amorim after starting more regularly under his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
And the former Sporting Lisbon boss revealed he has sometimes pushed Garnacho hard in a bid to draw more consistent form from him.
"He understands that sometimes I'm a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it's hard," he said.
"He understands that it is never in a bad way, it's always for him, but I am different person.
"I think all the merit goes to Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho."
There has also been talk about midfielder Mainoo being sold as the club try to juggle profit and sustainability requirements, while providing Amorim with funds to revamp his squad.
But the 19-year-old delivered a man-of-the-match performance, featuring a goal and an assist, against FCSB as Amorim moved him to a more attacking midfield role.
Amorim, whose team host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, said fewer defensive responsibilities would help Mainoo.
Downplaying talk over contract negotiations potentially affecting the teenager, he said: "I don't think it is about the contract. Everybody in England sees him as a very good player.
"He played in the European Championship final, so I think it is more the position. Then he's not comfortable because before he was always playing and now he sometimes plays, sometimes doesn't.
"It's different for him, it demands a lot from him and in that position, I feel that he was more happy to play. If they are happy, they play better. Simple as that."
AFP