Alejandro Garnacho Storms Down Tunnel After Early Substitution in Manchester United’s 3-2 Win Over Ipswich

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, but the match was overshadowed by Alejandro Garnacho’s frustrated reaction to an early substitution. The 20-year-old Argentine winger sparked controversy by heading straight down the tunnel instead of taking his place on the bench, fueling speculation about his dissatisfaction.

The Incident: Garnacho’s Frustration Boils Over

The match at Old Trafford took an unexpected turn when left-back Patrick Dorgu received a red card for a stamp on Omari Hutchinson, leaving United with ten men. In response, manager Rúben Amorim made a tactical adjustment, substituting Garnacho in the first half for Noussair Mazraoui to reinforce the defense.

Garnacho, visibly upset, bypassed the bench and headed straight down the tunnel, a move that immediately caught the attention of fans and pundits.

Amorim’s Response: Addressing the Issue

Speaking after the match, Amorim acknowledged Garnacho’s reaction and confirmed that he would discuss the matter privately with the player.

“I am going to speak to him about that,” Amorim stated.

When reporters drew comparisons to Marcus Rashford’s past disciplinary issues, Amorim responded:

“You are making the connection with Rashford, right? I am going to talk with Garnacho about that.”

Garnacho’s History of Disciplinary Issues

This is not the first time Garnacho has been involved in disciplinary discussions. Earlier in the season, he was left out of the squad due to a reported show of dissent towards Amorim. Similarly, Rashford faced a temporary exclusion from the team for disciplinary reasons, with Amorim emphasizing the need to “push them harder.”

Garnacho’s Silent Reaction on Social Media

Following the match, Garnacho took to social media, posting an image of himself looking dejected—without a caption. While subtle, the post seemingly expressed his disappointment over being withdrawn so early.

Match Recap: United Battle Back for Crucial Win

Despite the setback of Dorgu’s red card, Ipswich took the lead through Jaden Philogene. However, United responded with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and a late header from Harry Maguire, securing a 3-2 comeback victory.

The win lifted United to 14th place in the league standings, marking their first Premier League victory since January 26.

What’s Next for Garnacho and United?

How Amorim handles Garnacho’s reaction will be crucial in maintaining squad harmony. The manager has previously taken a firm stance on discipline, aiming to instill professionalism and accountability within the team.

As United continues their campaign, all eyes will be on Garnacho’s response—whether he accepts the decision professionally or allows his frustration to linger. With high expectations on his young shoulders, how he bounces back from this incident could shape his long-term future at the club.