Roy Keane has hit out at Alejandro Garnacho’s lack of celebration after scoring a stunning goal for Manchester United against Leicester City, suggesting that if the 20-year-old winger cannot enjoy scoring for the club, he should “get a job somewhere else.”
Keane’s comments come after Garnacho’s muted reaction to his fantastic strike, which helped seal a 3-0 win for the Red Devils on Sunday.
Garnacho’s goal against Leicester was a brilliant individual effort, cutting inside from the left before curling a sublime shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Despite the quality of the goal, the Argentine’s celebration was far from enthusiastic, sparking criticism from fans and pundits alike. After the match, United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, revealed that Garnacho’s subdued response was due to his belief that he had lost the support of some fans.
Fernandes explained to the BBC, “Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan, but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do. I told him to celebrate; it was something special. He is a special player, and we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game, but that isn’t going to happen.” Despite this advice, Garnacho still refrained from expressing his usual excitement after scoring for one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
The young forward’s lack of celebration came just days after a tense encounter with a fan—known as YouTuber Planet Faz—before United’s midweek Europa League clash with PAOK. The fan criticized Garnacho’s decision-making and first touch, urging him to pass better and work on his technique. Afterward, the fan filmed Garnacho’s angry response, asking, “Why are you not playing, man?” and walking away. The interaction sparked further attention to Garnacho’s mood and mental state ahead of the Leicester match.
Keane, who is never one to shy away from controversy, took to the Stick to Football podcast to express his disbelief over Garnacho’s reaction. The former United captain stated, “If you can’t celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game. Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player—whether it’s family stuff—you work all week, you’re playing the game to score a goal. When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have traveled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”
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Keane, clearly frustrated, added, “People make sacrifices to travel to watch Manchester United, and he scores a brilliant goal. The team is having a tough time, and if a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man United, then get a job somewhere else.” Keane’s words reflect a broader expectation in football—that players should embrace the joy of scoring and reward the fans who support them.
However, Garnacho’s lack of celebration has also been defended by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who acknowledged that the winger is “going through a journey” in his career. Wright suggested that the criticism from the fan may have weighed heavily on Garnacho, leading him to play with anger and frustration. Wright’s comments highlight the psychological pressures young players like Garnacho face, especially when they’re under intense scrutiny.
Despite this defense, Keane maintained that Garnacho should be able to separate external pressures from the euphoria of scoring for Manchester United. “He’s probably under pressure from outside sources,” Keane continued. “Every player is under pressure from family, tickets, your performances, your fitness, your contract—there’s all sorts of pressures on players, but for that moment, or for that weekend when you’ve scored a goal, you should be going, ‘Whatever happens for the rest of my life, if it finishes tonight, I’m going to enjoy this moment.'”
Keane’s comments highlight a key issue in modern football: the mental and emotional toll on young players. While Garnacho is undeniably talented, his muted goal celebration suggests that the pressure may be taking a toll on his enjoyment of the game. For many fans, the lack of passion after a memorable goal feels like a disconnect between the player and the supporters who back him.
Despite his lack of celebration, Garnacho remains one of Manchester United’s most exciting talents. He is currently the club’s top scorer this season, with seven goals to his name—three more than any other player in the squad. His ability to make a difference on the field is undeniable, but his off-field demeanor has sparked questions about his mental state and relationship with the fanbase.
As Garnacho embarks on international duty with Argentina during the international break, facing Paraguay and Peru in World Cup qualifiers, the focus will shift back to Manchester United upon his return. The club is undergoing significant changes, with Ruben Amorim set to take charge as the new head coach after his move from Sporting Lisbon. United currently sits in 13th place in the Premier League, with just 15 points from their first 11 matches, and Amorim’s appointment will mark a new chapter for the club.
Garnacho’s future at Manchester United may well depend on how he handles the pressure of playing for a high-profile club under a new manager. While his goal-scoring abilities are evident, his mental resilience will be key to unlocking his full potential. As Keane suggests, if Garnacho cannot embrace the joy of playing for Manchester United, it may be time for him to reevaluate his place in the game.
Manchester United’s journey this season will be closely watched, and Garnacho’s performances—both on and off the pitch—will continue to be a point of interest for fans and pundits alike. Will the young winger regain his confidence and start celebrating his successes with the passion that United fans expect? Only time will tell, but for now, the focus remains on the team’s collective progress under new leadership.