Chelsea news: Enzo Maresca’s Alejandro Garnacho U-turn as new striker is snubbed by own fans

Chelsea were handed their first Premier League defeat of the season by Manchester United on Saturday, as Mirror Football brings you all the latest at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will be hoping to return to winning ways against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup tonight, after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United. The Blues were hit with disaster early on as goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the first five minutes for a last-man foul on Bryan Mbeumo.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro fired United into a 2-0 in the first 45 minutes, before the Brazilian was also sent off after receiving a second booking for a foul on Andrey Santos. Trevoh Chalobah made it 2-1 on the 80th minute, but it ended in defeat in Alejandro Garnacho’s first game back at Old Trafford.

Blues boss Enzo Maresca made some interesting substitutions throughout the game – likely due to his ‘keeper’s dismissal – with the Argentinian not making it off the bench against his old club. Midfield superstar Cole Palmer was also taken off early against United, as the Italian issued a fresh update on the England international’s fitness as he struggles with a groin issue.

Meanwhile, incoming Chelsea striker Emanuel Emegha was snubbed by the Strasbourg fans after scoring the winner as captain at the weekend. Despite celebrating his strike in front of the supporters, many of the crowd looked less-than-impressed with his appearance on the pitch.

Mirror Football brings you all the latest news from Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho’s awkward reunion with ex-Man Utd teammate caught on cameraREAD MORE: Chelsea have free transfer opportunity after Robert Sanchez’s red in Man Utd defeat

Maresca’s Garnacho U-turn at Old Trafford

Garnacho returned to Old Trafford for the first time since his £40million switch to Chelsea in the summer – but he didn’t make it off the bench.

As Chelsea chased an equaliser during the final 10 minutes, many would’ve thought that the Argentinian winger would’ve been brought on for his flash of pace and ability on the flanks. And this was part of the plan. However, despite receiving tactical instructions in the second half, Garnacho never made it onto the pitch.

Maresca has confirmed that this decision to snub the 21-year-old was down to the need to make substitutions elsewhere.

Speaking post-match, the Italian said: “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].

“But the idea was to give Garnacho minutes.”

Garnacho’s return to United was met with a hostile reception from fans, with a symphony of boos ringing out every time he made an appearance from the bench during warm-ups.

When asked if the poor atmosphere towards the youngster affected his decision to sub Garnacho on, Maresca shrugged off this notion and remained resolute in his first answer.

He said: “No, no, no. He was ready, I sent him for the warm up and he was ready but then Wes asked for the change so we decided to go with Malo.”

Emegha snubbed by Strasbourg fans in 3-2 win

Incoming Chelsea striker Emanuel Emegha dealt with his own troubles in a similar fashion to Garnacho at the weekend, despite scoring for Strasbourg on Sunday. The 22-year-old has agreed a seven-year deal with the Blues, but won’t head to Stamford Bridge until 2026.

This means that the Strasbourg captain will remain with his current club – who function under the same owners as Chelsea – for the first half of the French season. However, this news hasn’t been met with the best of responses from the fans, who have made their feelings known towards Emegha.

In the club’s 1-0 win over Le Havre last week, the striker was left out of the starting line-up, but a banner still went up in the crowd slamming the star’s Chelsea move. It read: “Emegha, pawn of BlueCo, after changing your shirt, give back your armband.”

This distaste continued into Strasbourg’s 3-2 win against Paris FC, where Emegha topped off his return to action with a goal, which was subsequently confirmed by VAR after being chopped off initially.

During the celebrations, the 22-year-old ran up to the away crowd and held his shirt up to them in a statement of intent. While some fans celebrated the goal, many could be seen looking unimpressed – which angered boss Liam Rosenior.

The 41-year-old said: “Emegha was devastated, and I was too. I am very disappointed by what I saw. Seeing banners against one of last season’s best players is unacceptable.”

The sale of Emegha to Chelsea was brought forward due to UEFA rulings, as per L’Equipe. If the two clubs had ended up playing in the same European competition next season, then the transfer would’ve been blocked – but it seems that Strasbourg fans aren’t bothered much about the legal inner-workings of the deal.

Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Carabao Cup tie

Maresca has issued a positive update to star player Cole Palmer ahead of the club’s Carabao Cup tie against Lincoln City. The midfielder was taken off against United, in one of three substitutes within the first 20 minutes after Sanchez’ red card and Fernandes’ opener for the Red Devils.

The England international had previously struggled with a groin injury, and Maresca confirmed that this issue is unlikely to result in surgery.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the League One side, he said: “The medical staff, they didn’t mention to me about surgery until today. I don’t know if in the next days or the next weeks, but I don’t think so, to be honest.”

However, it is likely that Palmer won’t be in the starting line-up against Lincoln in midweek, with the Italian being able to rest some key players as they take on a lower-league side.

The Blues have two tough games coming up in the Premier League and in Europe. Brighton and Hove Albion will come calling on Saturday, before ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho brings his Benfica side to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

It is most possible that Palmer will be looking ahead to these tests, with other fringe stars being handed opportunities in domestic cup fixtures as and when they come up.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.