Alejandro Garnacho says he did 'bad things' at end of Manchester United career, admits exit hurt

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsHave Chelsea Improved Under Rosenior?Kinsky's Tottenham ReturnMan Utd's UCL HopesAlejandro Garnacho says he did ‘bad things’ at end of Manchester United career, admits exit hurtGarnacho moved to Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer Alex Pantling/Getty Images Share full article13Alejandro Garnacho has admitted did “some bad things” towards the end of his Manchester United career and says the manner of his exit hurt. Garnacho, 21, joined Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer in a £40million deal after falling out of favour under then head coach Ruben Amorim. The Athletic reported Amorim told the winger to find a new club after he suggested frustration at the head coach’s decision not to start him in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. In an episode of Premier League: The Big Interview on TNT Sports, the Argentina international was asked where it started to go wrong at United. He replied: “Nothing really went wrong. Sometimes different moments in life… I remember it was the last six months I was just starting to not really be playing like before for Manchester United, (when I had previously been) playing everything, every minute. “I started to be on the bench — it’s not a bad thing, I was only 20 years old — but in my mind it was like, ‘I have to play every game’. I started to do some — maybe on me also — bad things. But yes, it was just this moment in life and sometimes you have to make decisions and I am really proud to be here (Chelsea).” He continued: “But with United, I have nothing wrong to say about the club, no one in the club, any teammates. It’s just a moment in life that change and my life continues, so we have to look forward.” Garnacho was dropped by Amorim for the Manchester derby in December, but later regained his place in the team and remained with United during the January window despite an approach from Napoli. His reaction to being substituted against Ipswich Town in February saw Amorim later reveal he had paid for a team dinner by way of an apology. He hinted at frustrations with Amorim after being restricted to a substitute appearance during the Europa League final, describing United’s season as “s—” and casting doubt over his future at the club in a post-match interview with reporters. He trained away from the first team, alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, during pre-season before securing a move to Chelsea. Asked if the way his United exit happened hurt, he replied: “Yeah, maybe yes, because I loved that club, you know? They gave me the confidence from the start, from Spain (Getafe), to bring me to the academy, then they bring me to the first team, so it was like four or five years, and amazing love from everyone, from the fans, the stadium, everything was really good. “It’s just sometimes you have to change for the good of your life or the next steps. I have nothing bad to say about them, the time we spent together was really good, I only have good memories of Man Utd.” Speaking in a press conference in December, Garnacho had insisted he had no regrets over the way he left United. He has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season, providing eight goals and four assists. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Ali Rampling is a Deputy Managing Editor at The Athletic. Prior to joining The Athletic, she worked as the Women's Football Editor at 90min. Ali attended Loughborough University, and originates from Ipswich. Follow Ali on Twitter @AliRampling