Paul Scholes has admitted he always liked Alejandro Garnacho’s ability, but believes the former Manchester United winger had an attitude problem even during his time at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho first caught Manchester United’s eye after scoring twice in the 2022 FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest. He then broke into the senior side during the following season and quickly became one of the club’s most exciting young players.
Things eventually changed. His form dipped, and his relationship with then-manager Ruben Amorim became increasingly difficult. Garnacho left Manchester United for Chelsea in 2025, but his spell in London didn’t work out, and he has since joined Aston Villa on loan.
His start at Villa has been equally frustrating, with the winger struggling for regular opportunities.
Scholes questions Garnacho’s attitude
Speaking on The Good, the Bad and the Football podcast, Scholes said Garnacho had always looked capable of hurting opponents.
“I always quite liked him. Look, he wasn’t playing in a great United team and he was always a threat. He looked like he was going to score goals, he ran through,” Scholes said.
But the former midfielder also felt there were warning signs away from Garnacho’s football.
“I always thought his attitude was a little bit suspect,” Scholes explained. “He looked like a cocky kid, coming out with his earrings and stuff like that… I’m not having that.”
That combination of obvious talent and questionable attitude has followed Garnacho since leaving United.
His ability was never really the problem. Garnacho had pace, directness and the instinct to attack defenders. The bigger question was whether he could mature enough to turn those qualities into a consistent career.
At United, he didn’t. What happens at Aston Villa is yet to be seen.
