ALEJANDRO GARNACHO FACES CRITICISM, CHELSEA PLAYER WARNED OVER CONDUCT
Alejandro Garnacho is warned by Argentina legend Oscar Ruggeri to reduce his "haughtiness" for a World Cup chance. Despite his £40m Chelsea move, Scaloni has not called him up in nearly a year due to form and competition.
Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude sparks outrage - IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Alejandro Garnacho has been cautioned that if he wishes to represent Argentina at the World Cup, he must reduce his haughtiness. Garnacho has not been called up for his nation in almost a year, and his move to Chelsea has not made a difference.
The 21-year-old moved to the Blues during the summer transfer window for £40 million, leaving Manchester United behind. Although his career under Enzo Maresca has started slowly, he did score his first goal for the team in his seventh game this past weekend.
After a falling out with Ruben Amorim, Garnacho quit United. After being informed that he was not part of Amorim's plans for the 2025–2026 season, he became enraged when he was benched for the Europa League final and was later included in the "bomb squad."
He scored in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Sunderland to get off to a good start in a Chelsea shirt, but he has only played 331 minutes thus far. After talking with Maresca, Garnacho was persuaded to sign with Chelsea, but his ultimate objective of representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup is still a way off.
Oscar Ruggeri, who earned 97 caps between 1983 and 1994, has some advice for Garnacho, who Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has not selected since November 2024. He told TNT Sports, "He is no better than everybody else. You are a football player, enjoy it, but do not be so full of yourself."
You lose out on so much, therefore it is useless. He must be brought down to earth by someone. He will not be called up to the national squad. He is amazing on the field; therefore, they will call him up again if he returns to earth as he did.
After winning the World Cup with La Albiceleste in 1986, Ruggeri is aware of the high expectations of the national squad, which will be defending their title in the US, Canada, and Mexico the following year.
Scaloni has said that Garnacho's lack of regular form and competition for spots are the only reasons he was not chosen. "What prevented Garnacho from being called up? The management stated in November that Ale's non-selection was because of a form concern. We do not like to bring in guys and then consistently leave them off the team.
"It is fantastic that everyone wants to be there, but human nature comes into play, and you have to make choices. It would have been simple to bring him in, but he did not receive any minutes during the most recent call-ups, and sometimes decisions must be made. Nevertheless, he is a man who is on our radar, will remain there, and has a bright future.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.