Real Madrid have reached another Champions League final. (Image: Getty)
Alejandro Garnacho fuelled fears that he could follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps by leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid during Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final. Real edged past Bayern Munich in the most dramatic of circumstances at the Bernabeu to book a final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
The Bundesliga giants led 1-0 up until the 88th minute through Alphonso Davies’ sensational weak-footed strike earlier in the second half.
But substitute Joselu produced an incredible last-gasp brace to send Real one win away from lifting a record-extending 15th Champions League.
Garnacho has long been linked to making the switch to Los Blancos if he continues on his impressive trajectory since graduating from United’s academy.
The 19-year-old winger was born in Madrid, starting his career in Getafe and Atletico Madrid’s youth ranks before moving to Manchester for around £420,000 in 2020.
Despite his Atletico ties, Garnacho has made no secret of his admiration for Real. On Wednesday, he shared a photo of his baby wearing a Vinicius Jr shirt while watching the game.
And after Carlo Ancelotti’s side booked a Wembley date with Dortmund in June, he showed his admiration for the Brazilian superstar by calling him the “best player in the world” in his Instagram comments.
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Garnacho x Viní Jr ?????? pic.twitter.com/J1G904Wb2H
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 8, 2024
Garnacho’s kid wearing a Vinicius Jr shirt. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/ntllvgldwv
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 8, 2024
Alejandro Garnacho named Vinicius Jr the world’s best player. (Image: Getty)
Vinicius has scored 21 goals and registered 11 assists in 36 appearances this season, putting himself firmly in the Balon d’Or conversation alongside teammate Jude Bellingham.
Meanwhile, Garnacho has enjoyed his first season as a regular at United, tallying nine goals and five assists in 46 games, starting the last 36.
In March, reports claimed that the Argentina international dreamt of completing a switch to Real later in his career.
His recent social activity indicates his desire to join forces with Vinicius down the line despite his nation’s natural rivalry with Brazil.
Garnacho signed a new long-term contract at United last year, committing his future to Old Trafford until 2028.
He will be a central figure in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund. Still, interest from Real could turn his head, especially if United’s mediocrity continues.
While the La Liga champions are preparing for another Champions League final, the Red Devils face a fight to compete in Europe altogether next term as they linger in eighth in the Premier League.
Garnacho does have a final at Wembley of his own to look forward to, though, as Manchester City await in the FA Cup final on May 25.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1897185/Man-Utd-news-Alejandro-Garnacho-Vinicius-Jr