Manchester United fans love a scapegoat and this time they're directing their wrath towards Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentinian winger was hooked at half-time in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday, the latest dreadful display in a miserable season for the Red Devils.
Plenty of United fans disagreed with Erik ten Hag's decision to take off Garnacho, as the 19-year-old has been a rare shining light this campaign, scoring nine goals and providing four assist across all competitions.
However, sympathy will have dwindled somewhat after Garnacho 'liked' two Twitter posts from Mark Goldbridge, a well-known social media figure who divides opinion among United fans.
Garnacho 'likes' Mark Goldbridge posts
"Garnacho has been one of our best players this season," begins one post by Goldbridge, which was liked by Garnacho.
"Poor first half but taking him off at half time and holding him up as the problem is a joke. Many have done much worse week in week out and are still out there."
The other post reads: "Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference...not a good look throwing a 19 year old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he's clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners."
Garnacho has since "unliked" the post but the incident is the latest example of United players subtly hitting out at managers on social media.
Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference...not a good look throwing a 19 year old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he's clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 13, 2024
Man United players have history on social media
He wasn't alone on Saturday, as Amad Diallo, who replaced Garnacho at half-time, posted a 'zipped mouth' emoji on Instagram, indicating that he might have something he wants to get off his chest as well.
United fans, and reportedly some players as well, were recently annoyed at Rasmus Hojlund for giving an exclusive interview to Goldbridge, who claimed to have received death threats after speaking with the Danish striker.
Hojlund's decision, as well as Garnacho's social media activity, certainly indicates that United players are paying close attention to what fan channels are saying, something that hasn't gone down well with the club's hardcore supporter-base.
It remains to be seen how Ten Hag will react but if he takes as dim a view with Garnacho as he did with the exiled Jadon Sancho, then it might be a while before the winger steps foot on the pitch again.
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