Alejandro Garnacho is enduring one of his toughest periods since graduating from Manchester United's academy. The Argentine hasn't scored a goal in 18 matches, but he's had his chances. Ruben Amorim pursued an alternative option against Everton on Saturday, dropping Garnacho to the bench to accommodate Manuel Ugarte's return.
The United No. 17's disappointment was evident after leaving the visitors' team bus, cutting a withdrawn figure as he trudged into Goodison Park behind his team-mates.
Garnacho's absence from clinical finishing has rightly fallen under the spotlight, but his desire to reach the levels of his public idol and former colleague Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't faded.
Related articles
There was a moment in last Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur where Garnacho received the ball inside the box and had the goal at his mercy.
He then proceeded to blast his timid effort high and wide over Guglielmo Vicario's crossbar, a damning indicator of the lack of confidence that is plaguing United's underperforming attack.
The 20-year-old winger has been a mainstay in the first team since breaking through under Ralf Rangnick and becoming a permanent fixture of the squad under Erik ten Hag in 2022.
Amorim has made efforts to simmer expectations, though. Garnacho was a surprise exclusion from United's 2-1 derby victory against Manchester City.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
His absence from the squad altogether was striking, and it was part of a seven-match run out of Amorim's starting lineup.
Garnacho showed the right attitude and application to work his way back into his new boss' plans, but while his effort isn't under dispute, he has faced frustration in front of goal.
Of all Premier League players to have had 10 or more big chances this season, none have fluffed their lines more regularly than Garnacho.
The attacking starlet has scored just two of his 14 big chances in the competition this season, missing 12. That's a 14 per cent success rate.
Related articles
After dropping Garnacho for Ugarte and pushing Bruno Fernandes further forward against Everton, Amorim suggested it was because he wanted the option of his energy from the bench.
"It is really important, especially with a player like Garnacho that can give us different pace and more in one-against-one situations," the United boss explained before kick-off.
"We can change the game with those players, and that is really important to win football matches."
But Garnacho's demeanour moments earlier made it clear that he would much rather be regularly starting games as he was under Amorim's predecessor.