Paul Scholes aimed fire at Alejandro Garnacho. (Image: TNT SPORTS)
Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for “sulking” after being substituted in Thursday’s Europa League draw against Real Sociedad. withdrew Garnacho for Christian Eriksen on 78 minutes as he attempted to regain control of the match amid a late flurry of momentum from the hosts.
Joshua Zirkzee struck first just before the hour mark, directing the 20-year-old winger’s cutback past Alex Remiro with a right-footed effort on the edge of the box. A contentious VAR call punished for a handball in United’s era, gifting Mikel Oyarzabal an equaliser from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to play. The visitors were under the cosh until full-time at the Reale Arena, but the clash ended 1-1, perfectly poising next Thursday’s second leg.
After full-time, Garnacho’s reaction to being hauled off with the game level was a talking point. The Argentine looked visibly frustrated as he left the pitch, subtly shaking his head.
He then exuded disappointment in the dugout as he slumped into his chair before taking a long drink from his water bottle.
TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney was hesitant to scrutinise Garnacho’s antics, suggesting that he may have picked up a slight knock.
“We’ve seen him live so many times, but it didn’t look like he had that burst,” she said during the post-match analysis.
Alejandro Garnacho was frustrated against Real Sociedad. (Image: Getty)
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“He had tape around the knee, and we know he’s carried something before, so I don’t want to be too critical.
“He didn’t look himself tonight. Maybe he just had a poor game; who knows? But I didn’t see it with him physically tonight. Fatigue might have played a part.”
But Scholes wasn’t having any of it, aiming fire at Garnacho for his underwhelming performance and his behaviour after being replaced.
Scholes weighed in, adding: “He looks like he’s sulking a bit. I’m not having the fatigue thing.
“I was a little disappointed with Garnacho because his biggest strength is running through. He gives you penetration.
“Sometimes he makes the wrong decisions or plays the wrong ball, but he just lacked a bit of energy tonight.
“Little bit of sulkiness, I think. I’m sure he will get better, and he needs to get better because they haven’t really got anyone else to call upon.”
United host at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday before La Real visit M16 for the second leg.