A striking image of Alejandro Garnacho outside Old Trafford was recently defaced by galvanized fans—crosses drawn over his face serving as a vivid symbol of growing discontent following the winger’s imminent departure to Chelsea.
The 21-year-old, once a symbol of Manchester United’s golden future, finds himself on the outside. Placed in Ruben Amorim’s so-called “bomb squad”—alongside Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Marcus Rashford—Garnacho was told in May that he should find a new club . Since then, his relationship with United has all but collapsed.
Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature. Reports confirm that Garnacho has agreed personal terms with the Blues, making the move all but inevitable—pending agreement on the transfer fee. United are asking around £50 million, although Chelsea’s valuation may be closer to £30–40 million, prolonging negotiations.
As tensions simmer, Garnacho has issued a stark ultimatum: “Chelsea or nothing.” Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Argentine is prepared to sit out for six to twelve months should United block the move.
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His public actions haven’t helped mend fences. Garnacho was seen wearing an Aston Villa jersey displaying Marcus Rashford’s name—an ill-received gesture by many fans. He also enthusiastically reacted to Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona with a celebratory “Let’s goooo”—sparking further outrage among the United faithful.
The vandalized mural outside the stadium captures this furious rupture. Fans have openly lashed out online, with comments like: “He brought this on himself,” and blunt demands for his exit . And while some supporters sympathize with Garnacho’s desire for clarity, others see it as a breach of loyalty.
In short, what was once a promising career trajectory now bears the marks of fractured allegiances—both on a mural and in the hearts of fans.