Garnacho 'to pay for players' meals' after Ipswich act shocked fans

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho will foot the bill for a team meal after heading straight down the tunnel following his substitution against Ipswich, Ruben Amorim has confirmed.

The Argentine was withdrawn in the first half of Wednesday’s match, making way for Noussair Mazraoui after Patrick Dorgu was sent off for a challenge on Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson.

Instead of taking a seat on the bench, Garnacho went directly to the dressing room.

Amorim has since spoken with the 19-year-old and revealed that Garnacho will be treating his teammates as a lighthearted consequence.

"It was funny because the next day he came to my office," Amorim said. "I did some investigating, and he went to the dressing room to change his clothes because he was wet.

"He watched the game from a different place—not on the bench—but he stayed involved. At the end of the match, he was there and then went home, so there’s no issue."

However, Amorim emphasized the importance of optics at a club of United’s stature. "I told him that at Manchester United, everything matters. Perception is crucial at a big club. So, he’s going to pay for a team dinner, and that’s it," he said.

"I think he understands. He was playing well, and it’s tough to be taken off in that moment, but players have to learn to handle these situations. My job is to help them become better footballers."

United face Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday (16:30 GMT), and despite Amorim mentioning Garnacho has a "knock," he is expected to be fit for the tie.

Amorim also weighed in on Roy Keane’s recent scathing assessment of United captain Bruno Fernandes, who was criticized for his leadership and on-field demeanor.

"I have a different opinion," Amorim stated. "I know sometimes he gestures a lot, but it’s mostly frustration from this season and last. He wants to win."

While acknowledging Keane’s high standards from his playing days, Amorim made it clear where his own stance stands.

"Roy Keane had big expectations—it’s normal for him to have opinions. But I have the opposite opinion, and mine is more important because I’m the coach."