Alejandro Garnacho fires back at Manchester United troll as pre-match footage emerges

Alejandro Garnacho has been praised for hitting back at a spectator’s obnoxious goading before Manchester United’s Europa League match against PAOK, after footage emerged on social media.

The exchange happened while Garnacho was signing autographs and posing for selfies with fans outside of Old Trafford a few hours ahead of Thursday’s match. The winger was one of many players to take time out to greet supporters before entering the ground.

A bystander decided to live-stream squad members interacting with fans, including Garnacho. In the footage, the streamer can be heard hurling provocative comments towards the 20-year-old.

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He said: “Garnacho you better pass better today, yeah, please? Pass better today, score a goal and work on your first touch as well.” The footballer initially ignored the comments as he continued to pose for photographs with fans.

But before he turned to leave and enter the stadium, Garnacho replied to the provocateur: “Why are you not playing, man?” The clip was shared on social media with many siding with Garnacho and taking issue with the streamer’s comments.

“Well said Garnacho,” one social media user said while another concurred: “What a beautiful response [laughing emoji]”. Several added that the bystander went “too far” and was “disrespectful”.

Garnacho is United’s top scorer so far this season with six goals in 16 matches. Only Bruno Fernandes has registered more assists, with his five narrowly trumping Garnacho’s four.

United have drawn their first three Europa League matches this season and face an uphill task to finish inside the top eight, which secures automatic qualification for the Last 16. They are unbeaten in three home games across all competitions.