“Why is he on the bench”, “This is insane” - Manchester United fans furious as Erik ten Hag names 20-year-old star on the bench for Southampton clash

Manchester United fans have questioned manager Erik ten Hag's decision to leave 20-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho on the bench in their upcoming clash. The Red Devils are set to face Southampton away from home on September 14, and Garnacho will have to make an impact as a substitute.

The Argentine winger has not had the best of times in the Premier League this season. In their last three games, he has taken three shots with an xG of 1.39, but Garnacho is underperforming, as he is yet to score a single goal. However, he made an assist in their first game against Fulham, which the Red Devils won.

In the matches against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion, Garnacho started from the bench. He got the opportunity to make an impact in the starting lineup when he played against Liverpool in their last match on September 1. However, he was unable to capitalize on it as Manchester United endured a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag has now decided to take Alejandro Garnacho back to bench for the match against Southampton. This has not sat well with the Old Trafford faithful, though, as they questioned the decision on social media.

"Why is Garnacho on the bench?" one fan demanded.

"Why is Garnacho not starting games?! This is insane," another fan complained.

"Their best player is on the bench 😭" a third noted.

"Rashford getting picked ahead of Garnacho. 🤯" a fourth was shocked.

"How’s garnacho on the bench?" a fifth could not understand.

Others added:

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's comments on Manuel Ugarte resurface after midfielder is named on bench

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag once spoke about Manuel Ugarte after the midfielder joined the Red Devils during the summer transfer window from Paris Saint-Germain. He notably revealed that Ugarte would need time to adapt to playing in England, admitting it would take a long while.

Speaking ahead of the international break, Ten Hag said (via Mirror):

"If you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute. So he needs to build his fitness and then we have to build him in the team and I’m sure he’ll be an important player. But that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months."

However, the Uruguayan played during the international break, and now, Ten Hag named him on the bench as they prepare to face Southampton. The midfielder seems to be nearer to playing for Manchester United than Erik ten Hag had previously revealed. Ugarte will certainly be hoping to make his mark from the bench against Southampton.