Ferdinand Backs Amorim’s Tough Stance as Garnacho Faces United Exit Over Attitude Issues

Rio Ferdinand has thrown his support behind Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s tough call to freeze out Alejandro Garnacho, pointing directly at the young winger’s attitude as a major reason behind the fallout. The 21-year-old is now being encouraged to leave Old Trafford after clashing publicly with the new manager—raising questions about his commitment and professionalism.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand didn’t mince words. He criticized Garnacho’s behavior both on and off the pitch, particularly his actions on social media. One post that stood out was a photo of him in an Aston Villa jersey with “Rashford 9” on the back—a move Ferdinand suggested reflected poor judgment. Garnacho also reportedly slammed the club’s 2024/25 season in harsh terms, further worsening his situation.

According to Ferdinand, if he were in Garnacho’s shoes, he’d be reflecting hard. He stressed that Amorim was right to draw a line, and that no player should expect to remain part of the squad while showing such disregard for the team’s direction. The rift between the Argentine winger and Amorim intensified after Garnacho was given only 19 minutes in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Post-match, his brother claimed the manager had “thrown him under the bus”—a sentiment that didn’t sit well with Amorim.

Amorim’s response was firm. Not only was Garnacho benched for United’s final match against Aston Villa, but the manager also reportedly told him in front of the squad to start looking for a new team. For Ferdinand, this was a clear message: talent alone won’t cut it if a player isn’t aligned with the manager’s vision.

This decision is part of a wider shake-up at United. Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, was left out of pre-season training—a sign that Amorim is serious about resetting the team after a disastrous 15th-place league finish. Ferdinand applauded the no-nonsense approach, saying it’s exactly what the club has been missing in recent years.

However, he did raise a concern about how United are managing the fallout, warning that publicly sidelining players like Garnacho could drive down their market value. With the club yet to offload any of the five players, the handling of these situations might come back to haunt them financially.

Garnacho’s case is especially sensitive. A product of the club’s system, he’s racked up 144 appearances and scored 26 goals. Despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham, and Napoli, United’s £60 million asking price may prove unrealistic given the current circumstances.

Ferdinand believes Garnacho still has a future if he can mature and refocus. He called the winger talented but in need of serious attitude adjustment to succeed at the top level. Meanwhile, Amorim is moving ahead with plans to reshape the squad, targeting players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo—individuals he believes will better reflect the standards he’s trying to enforce.

In Ferdinand’s eyes, this clash is more than just a player-manager dispute; it’s a defining moment for United’s direction under Amorim. Whether or not they succeed may depend on how well the club stands behind the manager’s bold, uncompromising vision.