The young Manchester United promise who suffers a new blow and surprisingly was not called up by his national team

Alejandro Garnacho's 2025 has been a stark contrast to the highs of late 2024. The young Manchester United forward, who dazzled with a Puskas Award-winning goal, has seen his form dip, leading to on-field frustrations, managerial clashes, and ultimately, his exclusion from the Argentina national team squad.

From Puskas to Plateau: Garnacho's Goal Drought

The stunning bicycle kick against Everton, which earned Garnacho the Puskas Award, seems a distant memory. The 20-year-old has endured a 25-game goal drought, his last strike coming in November against Bodø/Glimt. This dry spell has coincided with a period of turbulence at Old Trafford.

Clashes with Amorim: A Fractured Relationship

Garnacho's relationship with manager Ruben Amorim has been strained. He was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby and showed his displeasure at being substituted against Ipswich Town. Amorim publicly criticized Garnacho's attitude, leading to a team fine.

Despite the setbacks, Garnacho has shown signs of improvement in recent matches. He played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal and Real Sociedad, even providing an assist in the latter.

Transfer Speculation: A Move That Never Materialized

During the winter transfer window, Garnacho was linked with moves to Napoli and Chelsea. However, these deals fell through, leaving the Argentine to continue his struggles at United.

Scholes's Criticism: A Veteran's Verdict

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes added to Garnacho's woes, criticizing his performance against Real Sociedad in the Europa League. Scholes's comments highlighted the growing scrutiny surrounding the young forward.

National Team Omission: A Significant Blow

The biggest blow for Garnacho came with his exclusion from Lionel Scaloni's Argentina squad. Despite being included in the preliminary list, he was left out of the final selection for the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Scaloni's decision is believed to be based on Garnacho's current form. The Argentine manager has a wealth of attacking options, and Garnacho's recent struggles have likely cost him his place.

The Road Ahead: Garnacho's Response

Garnacho now faces a crucial period in his career. He must regain his form at Manchester United to force his way back into the national team. His talent is undeniable, but he needs to show consistency and maturity to fulfill his potential.

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Alejandro Garnacho's recent struggles have presented him with a significant challenge. How he responds to this adversity will define his career. His journey from Puskas glory to national team omission is a stark reminder of the highs and lows of professional football.