Roy Keane ‘doesn’t trust’ Man Utd star to start games despite FA Cup performance

Keane not convince he has done enough to secure a spot in the starting XI.

Feb 8, 2025 - 00:19
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Roy Keane ‘doesn’t trust’ Man Utd star to start games despite FA Cup performance
Keane believes a role off the bench suits the United star (Picture: Getty)

Roy Keane ‘does not trust’ Alejandro Garnacho to start games for Manchester United after the winger starred off the bench in the FA Cup victory over Leicester City.

United turned in a woeful first-half display on Friday night as Leicester took the lead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid in their FA Cup fourth round clash.

Patrick Dorgu, making his debut after his £25million arrival from Lecce in the January transfer window, was hooked at half-time and replaced by Garnacho.

The Argentina international instantly lifted his side, tormenting Leicester with driving runs down the left.

His cross in the 68th minute eventually found its way to Joshua Zirkzee, who tapped home from close range to level the game for the hosts.

United went on to snatch victory deep in injury time with Harry Maguire heading home despite appearing to be stood in an offside position.

Garnacho has forced his way back into Ruben Amorim’s plans after being dropped from the squad against Manchester City in December, remaining at the club in January despite strong interest from Chelsea and Napoli.

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Garnacho came off the bench at half-time (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Watching on in the ITV studio, Ian Wright was surprised Amorim didn’t name the winger in his side from the start.

‘I am very surprised Garnacho did not start in this game, he did the same in the game against Liverpool [when he came on],’ Wright said.

‘He comes on and you can’t deal with him. He comes on with pace and attacks.’

However despite his impact, Keane believes a role off the bench still suits the 20-year-old.

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Garnacho was strongly linked with a move away in January (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I think it suits him when it comes off the bench, I don’t think you can trust him when he starts,’ Keane said.

‘But when he comes off the bench and you’re gambling and the team is stretched, that’s when he comes into his own.

‘They put Leicester on the backfoot and the subs came on. That’s what Garnacho does well. The first-half they were going sideways and sideways. He came on and tested them.’