"You Can Trust Him Off the Bench, But Not as a Starter" – Roy Keane Gives Honest Verdict on impressive Manchester United star

Manchester United nearly suffered a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of Leicester City, but Alejandro Garnacho stepped up to help turn the game around. Despite his match-winning impact, club legend Roy Keane still has doubts about the young winger’s ability to start games.

Leicester led 1-0 at halftime, and it looked like the game was getting away from United. Garnacho was brought on by coach Ruben Amorim, who was desperate for a change. The 20-year-old Argentine made an immediate impression and helped fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee equalize for United. Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time goal completed the comeback and guaranteed United’s spot in the next round.

Garnacho’s electric second-half performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but despite his impact, Roy Keane believes he is still not ready to start games regularly.

Speaking after the match, Keane praised Garnacho’s ability but suggested he is more effective as a substitute rather than a starter.

“I think you can trust him when he comes off the bench, I’m not sure it suits him when he starts.”

Keane explained that Garnacho thrives when the game opens up, and defenders begin to tire.

“When he comes off the bench, they stretch, they gamble more, and that’s when he comes into his own. Leicester got tired, lost a bit of physicality, and Garnacho took advantage.”

He added that Manchester United played too cautiously in the first half, allowing Leicester to defend comfortably. But once Garnacho entered the game and started attacking defenders, it changed the momentum.

“When teams play in front of you, defending is easy. But when you stretch them, run at them, and force them backwards, that’s when they’re really tested.”

Since Amorim arrived in November, Garnacho’s place in the team has been a topic of discussion. While the young winger has the talent, the manager has been clear that he needs to adapt to his tactical system.

“He needs to learn to play in a different position. He has improved defensively, but sometimes that takes away from his attacking transitions. He is working on it in training.”

Garnacho has been in and out of the starting lineup as Amorim tries to mold him into a more complete player. His natural attacking instincts are clear, but to secure a long-term spot in the starting XI, he must adapt to the team’s structure.

Despite Keane’s concerns, there is no doubt that Garnacho is one of United’s most exciting young talents. His performance against Leicester showed his ability to change a game, but Amorim will want him to become more reliable from the start.

If he keeps improving his all-around skills, he could soon disprove Keane and establish himself as an essential player in United’s starting lineup. It appears like he will continue to be the team’s hidden weapon off the bench until then.