Manchester United’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final has ignited strong reactions, particularly from the family of young Argentine star Alejandro Garnacho. The match, played on Wednesday, not only marked Spurs’ first trophy since their 2008 League Cup triumph but also intensified criticism of United boss Ruben Amorim, who opted to start without Garnacho, introducing him only as a late substitute.
Despite Garnacho’s pivotal contributions in previous knockout rounds, he was left out of the starting eleven, with Ruben Amorim instead deploying Mason Mount and Amad Diallo behind striker Rasmus Hojlund. Garnacho was introduced in the 71st minute, alongside Joshua Zirkzee, as the Red Devils chased an equaliser. While the 19-year-old winger showed immediate energy and effort, it was not enough to overturn Brennan Johnson’s goal that secured Tottenham’s victory and ended their 17-year wait for silverware.
Post-match, Garnacho’s brother Roberto expressed his frustration on Instagram, sharing a story with a photo of the winger walking past the trophy with a runners-up medal. The caption was a direct shot at Amorim, pointing to Garnacho’s goals in major matches like last year’s FA Cup final against Manchester City and the Community Shield. He criticized the decision to play Garnacho for only 19 minutes, stating, “Working harder than anyone, helping in every round, scoring in the last two finals, and then used for just 19 minutes—unbelievable.”
Garnacho himself appeared heartbroken after the loss and shared his disappointment with Argentine media. “It’s been a terrible season. Losing the final like this, without winning much in the league either, is difficult to accept,” he admitted. The forward reflected on his significant role throughout the tournament and said, “I played every round, contributed to the team’s journey here, and then to be on the pitch for just twenty minutes today… I don’t know.”
When asked about his future at Old Trafford, Garnacho said, “This game and the season overall have been tough. I’ll try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next.”
This defeat could have serious implications for Ruben Amorim’s managerial future at United, with growing unrest among fans and players. For Garnacho, the final not only ended in heartbreak but also raised questions about how a rising star was sidelined when it mattered most.
