Alejandro Garnacho was surprisingly left on the bench for Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Southampton at Old Trafford. Erik Ten Hag opted to start Marcus Rashford out on the left wing instead, which ultimately paid off since the Englishman scored United’s second goal in the first half.

The Argentine would eventually come off the bench and score the third for United, making it two goals and one assist this season already. He would go on to celebrate once again like his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo by setting on the sideboard behind the goal.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Alejandro Garnacho snub was purely tactical

🚨🇦🇷 Man United sources guarantee that Alejandro Garnacho has not been dropped today due to his social media activity after liking Cristiano Ronaldo comments on ten Hag.

It’s described as a technical/tactical decision by Erik ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/yNPwHGfDIP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 14, 2024

There was speculation that Garnacho might have been dropped after liking posts from Ronaldo criticising Erik Ten Hag. However, Romano has confirmed that it is not the cause and the decision was made tactically.

The youngster and Rashford both found the back of the net to give Manchester United a well deserved win, saving the manager from further criticism.

Things could have gone very differently for the Red Devils had Andre Onana not saved Cameron Archer’s penalty, but that proved to be the turning point as the Saints collapsed against the Red Devils.