Garnacho Set for Chelsea Start in Old Trafford Reunion

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho is in line to make his first start for the club when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Garnacho completed a £40 million switch from United to Stamford Bridge in late August and has since made substitute appearances against Brentford and Bayern Munich. Maresca believes the 21-year-old is now fully prepared to step into the starting lineup.

“In the last two games, he was very good when he came on,” Maresca said. “We’re happy with how he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger. I think he is ready to start.”

The Chelsea boss added that Garnacho will be able to cope with the hostile reception expected on his return to Manchester.
“It’s always difficult,” Maresca admitted. “The other day against Bayern Munich, [Marc] Cucurella, every time he touched the ball the noise was not the best one, but you have to learn to handle these kinds of things.”

Garnacho’s departure from Old Trafford was controversial. The winger angered some United supporters after being pictured on holiday wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name on the back, while social media posts from his brother surrounding the transfer to Chelsea also drew criticism.

Chelsea’s record at Old Trafford makes the challenge even tougher. The Blues have not won away to United in 12 years, but Maresca insisted the task will always be demanding regardless of the Red Devils’ current struggles.

“I think it’s always difficult to play United away in their stadium, Old Trafford,” he said. “It’s a difficult team, a difficult stadium. I’ve watched their games this season — even in the [Manchester] City game, until 1-0 or 2-0 they were in it and had chances to go ahead. It will be a tough game, no doubt.”