Rashford is expendable! Garnacho gives Man Utd TWO transfer headaches

Tom Weber

• 9 Mar 2024 08:21 CST
• 4 min read

Alejandro Garnacho's stunning form gives Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe plenty to chew over in the coming months.

The Argentine winger put in a really good shift against Everton at Old Trafford, winning two penalties and causing the Toffees' defence all kinds of problems. The 19-year-old probably should have rewarded himself with a goal, illustrating that he does not yet have the killer instinct of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, but it was yet another promising performance from one of Man Utd's breakout stars.

Garnacho, along with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund, has been one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a dreadful season for the Red Devils and Erik ten Hag. The attacker has notched seven goals and three assists so far this term and has become pretty much undroppable for a side that has struggled to consistently play exciting attacking football.

Yet, Garnacho's form isn't good news for everyone at Old Trafford and it gives Ten Hag and new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe a couple of potential transfer headaches.

The futures of Rashford and Antony

Against Everton, Garnacho started on the right wing after Ten Hag had previously experimented with him on the left following Hojlund's injury. Marcus Rashford, who had been used as a striker previously, reverted to his more natural position on the left flank.

Unlike Garnacho, Rashford was pretty quiet throughout the game, only really entering the spotlight when he converted one of the penalties won by his right-wing counterpart. The England star's form this term has been a major concern and club legend Wayne Rooney said before the game that he has 'no sympathy' for the 26-year-old.

Rashford's future at Man Utd is in doubt, with PSG reportedly keen on him as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe. Rooney agreed with the suggestion that Rashford may have to leave United to get his career back on track. Garnacho's form and the fact that he has often played on the left could make the local boy increasingly expendable.

However, the player who should be a lot more worried than Rashford is Antony. The Brazilian flop was yet again a late substitute - despite, you know, costing €95 million - and he has had to watch on in recent months as the Argentine has taken his place and entrenched himself in Ten Hag's side.

Antony has already been transfer-listed ahead of the summer and with talented Amad Diallo waiting in the wings - and Crystal Palace's Michael Olise heavily linked - Man Utd may feel that they have ample options on the right and that it's probably better to cut their losses on the 24-year-old. Garnacho has likely ended Antony's Man Utd career.