Garnacho Discusses Man Utd Fallout And Life Under Maresca Ahead Of Atalanta Match

‎Alejandro Garnacho has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Manchester United ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Atalanta BC on Tuesday.

The winger joined Chelsea in a £40m deal after being relegated to the Old Trafford “bomb squad” by Ruben Amorim.

Amorim made it clear the Argentina international should seek a new club following his frustration at being left out of the starting XI for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

‎Garnacho said the situation ultimately left him with no choice but to move on.

‎Despite reported interest from Bayern Munich, the 21-year-old prioritised staying in the Premier League and viewed the switch to Stamford Bridge as a straightforward choice.

‎Garnacho on Man Utd exit: 

‎Ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Atalanta in Bergamo, Garnacho insisted he has absolutely no regrets about how his messy exit from Old Trafford unfolded.

‎Garnacho has directly contributed to 27 goals (17 goals, 10 assists) in 102 Premier League appearances, 64 of which were starts, so far in his career.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League fixture against Atalanta, when asked if he had any regrets on how his time at United came to an end, Garnacho simply replied: “No.”

He continued: “I came here to play my football and show people the player I am.

“Sometimes in life, you have to change things to take a step forward or to improve as a player. I think it was the right moment and the right club. So it was an easy decision.

“I wanted to stay in the Premier League because I think it’s the best league in the world. I spoke with the manager [Enzo Maresca] before I came here and he explained to me the project, he convinced me and I’m really happy to be here.

“He explained to me everything and now working together, we are doing well. We are going to improve with time, it’s just three months together, and he trusts me and that is the most important thing for confidence, and I want to improve.”

Garnacho has featured 14 times for Chelsea, scoring twice and setting up two more goals.

‎Will Garnacho start against Atalanta?

‎Chelsea’s starting lineup is still uncertain, but Palmer’s omission opens up an attacking option in the front line.

‎”It is part of his process,” Maresca said about Palmer.

‎”He’s not available. He can’t play two games in a row in three days, so we’ve planned this, and it’s a way to protect him.”

‎Speaking specifically about Garnacho, the Italian manager lauded the winger’s willingness to take on new ideas.

‎”It’s been quite easy to work with him,” continued Maresca.

‎”He wants to learn, he’s open-minded, he’s working well on the ball and off the ball.

‎”Some games he’s better, some games he tries a little more, but overall he’s doing well with us.”

‎Liam Delap’s shoulder injury also suggests Joao Pedro will lead the line rather than play in the No. 10 role.