Maresca Points to Man Utd Example While Addressing Garnacho's Rocky Chelsea Start

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emphasized that Alejandro Garnacho was "not at full physical fitness" when he arrived at the Blues following his departure from Manchester United.

Garnacho experienced a very public falling out with Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim toward the end of last season. The talented Argentine was benched during the same weekend as Marcus Rashford in December, but unlike his former English colleague, managed to earn his way back into the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, after receiving only a brief substitute appearance in United's Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur in May, Garnacho strongly suggested a summer transfer. Amorim concurred, allegedly informing the winger in front of the entire team that he should seek opportunities elsewhere.

Throughout a challenging summer period, Garnacho was prohibited from accessing United's training facilities while Amorim and the first-team players were present. This isolation continued into the beginning of the current season, as the 21-year-old was deliberately excluded from the squad during the opening two weeks.

A transfer to Chelsea valued at approximately £40 million ($52.8 million) was finally completed at the end of August. Maresca has utilized Garnacho conservatively since his arrival, which—as he emphasizes—resulted directly from the summer conflict.

"Garna is progressing well," the Chelsea manager informed reporters before Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. "Garna is another player we are carefully managing physically, as he came to us from United without being at peak physical condition.

"He trains diligently every day, continues improving, and currently we are satisfied with his performances."

Despite the upheaval, Garnacho harbors no resentment toward his previous club. "Those were challenging times, training in isolation, but I hold no negative feelings toward my former club Manchester United. Simply difficult periods in life," Garnacho shared with TNT Sports earlier this season.

Garnacho's Gradual Integration at Chelsea

Garnacho has barely received sufficient playing time at Chelsea to be considered underwhelming. Due to that fragmented preseason preparation and the wealth of attacking players crowded throughout Stamford Bridge, the left winger has accumulated slightly over 300 minutes.

Maresca granted Garnacho merely 11 minutes of Premier League action before giving him his inaugural start in October. The attacker was substituted at halftime during his second league start for the Blues before finally netting his debut Chelsea goal against Sunderland last weekend.

With Pedro Neto established as Maresca's preferred winger who can play on both sides, Garnacho depends on the Italian's rotation strategy. Brazilian youngster Estêvão has accumulated identical starts across all competitions as Garnacho (five) but possesses superior goal contributions (three to one) while delivering more impressive and comprehensive displays than his South American counterpart.

Chelsea's Forward Options

Statistics across all competitions. Accurate as of Oct. 29, 2025.