Alejandro Garnacho makes feelings clear on next Chelsea step after being subjected to boos

Alejandro Garnacho was subjected to a hostile reception when he returned to Manchester United as a Chelsea player before finally making his first start in the Carabao Cup

Alejandro Garnacho is eagerly anticipating performing in front of Chelsea’s supporters after enduring a hostile welcome on his maiden start for the club. The ex-Manchester United winger faced jeers throughout the Blues’ dismal opening 45 minutes.

His every touch prompting negative reactions from home supporters at the LNER Stadium, as the Imps established a 1-0 advantage. When the Argentina international was substituted after 60 minutes – the Blues had mounted a fightback to secure Carabao Cup progression – Lincoln supporters delivered a brutal assessment of his display through chants directed at the winger.

Garnacho had previously appeared as a substitute for the Blues in Champions League and Premier League fixtures following his £40million transfer from Old Trafford, after spending the summer training apart from Ruben Amorim’s main squad.

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However, the 21-year-old remained unused when United triumphed over Chelsea at the weekend, marking his initial return to the venue since his summer departure, before earning his debut start against Lincoln. Garnacho said on Instagram: “Happy to be in the next round. Can’t wait to see you at home on Saturday.”

Blues manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with the former United star’s performance despite him managing only one attempt on goal and the west Londoners, on the whole, performing well below their best against the League One side.

“Absolutely,” the Italian replied when questioned whether Garnacho seized his chance. “It was not an easy game. That’s why I was upset first half because we know we need to do better. But overall, him [Garnacho], [Jamie] Gittens, they did very well.”

Maresca had planned to give his player some game time against United last weekend, indicating that the decision to keep him on the bench was not due to the potential reaction at Old Trafford.

“Garnacho was ready to go, but then Wes [Fofana] asked for the change because he was tired after a long time so we decided to go for Malo [Gusto],” he explained. “But the idea was to give Garnacho minutes.”

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