Alejandro Garnacho makes feelings clear on Ruben Amorim treatment at Man Utd

Alejandro Garnacho described being exiled by Ruben Amorim as a "bad moment in life" but refused to stick the boot in on Manchester United after an improved performance in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League.

Garnacho joined United's academy in 2020 at the age of 16 and quickly became a big hit at Old Trafford after bursting into the senior ranks. However, his days at the club were numbered after falling out of favour under Amorim and he was frozen out alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia as part ofa five-man 'bomb squad'that trained alone over the summer.

The 21-year-old winger eventually moved to Chelsea for £40million in the transfer window to kickstart his career and it was his cutback which led to the own goal that spoiled Jose Mourinho's homecoming with Benfica on Tuesday night.

READ MORE: Joe Cole makes bizarre Sadiq Khan joke in Chelsea star 'pickpocket' claim

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho reception speaks volumes as Chelsea win despite familiar failings

But when he was asked about the chastening final days of his Manchester United career, Garnacho chose not to lash out, though he declined to mention Amorim by name. "I think it was a difficult moment there, just training alone," Garnacho told TNT Sports. "But I have nothing bad to say about the club, my old club Manchester United.

"It was just a bad moment in life but now I’m very happy to be here and to play in this competition and to get the three points today."

Garnacho has been eased into life in London by Enzo Maresca given the Argentina international's disrupted pre-season. He was an unused substitute on his return to Old Trafford two weeks ago and then endured a difficult first start for the Blues in the underwhelming League Cup victory over Lincoln City where he was booed by rival fans.

But Garnacho was bright against Benfica and forced the own goal which decided a tight games. His contributions meant that he was singled out for praise by Maresca post-match, with the Blues chief praising his all round game.

"Alejandro was very good today. Not only on the ball but defensively, he was very good in the way he pressed," the Italian said.

"In the last third he has freedom to go one-v-one when he decides. To arrive in the box is important because it’s from there we score. I was pleased with him."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.