Alejandro Garnacho reacted on social media after being subbed at half-time in Man United’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. In a now deleted post, the 19-year-old uploaded a picture of himself from the clash on his Instagram story, looking down at the ground with his hands on his hips.

But tellingly, the image also had a ‘zip mouth’ emoji on it, implying the 19-year-old didn’t want to say his true thoughts. He later replaced that symbol with a different ‘shock face’ emoji.

In his post-match press conference, Erik ten Hag had appeared to blame the Argentinian for the opening goal, saying: “Down the right side they were finding ways to hurt us and there were jobs to be done but it was not always done. Then you get problems. Go with your opponent, that is your job. One part is collaboration and the other is discipline.”

And to add further fuel to the fire, Garnacho also liked a post on X by The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge, who wrote: “Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference…not a good look throwing a 19 year old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he’s clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners.”

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It wasn’t the Goldbridge post that Garnacho acknowledged, also adding a like to “Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half but taking him off at half time and holding him up as the problem is a joke.”

After an inept display in the opening 45 minutes, United trailed 2-1 with Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert scoring for the hosts. In-between Bruno Fernandes has struck an equaliser that the Red Devils scarcely deserved, and Ten Hag‘s men were fortunate to only trail by one goal at the break.

It was Garnacho who had created the goal for his captain with a cut-back pass. But surprisingly, he was hooked off at the interval, and replaced by Amad Diallo.

Arguably, the change of personnel paid off for the Dutchman, with the visitors levelling again as Fernandes converted a penalty after Kobbie Mainoo’s shot deflected on to the hand of the unfortunate Adam Smith. Bournemouth were awarded a spot-kick in injury time, only for a VAR check to deem Willie Kambwala’s foul on Ryan Christie took place outside the box.

But with only one Premier League win in his last seven league games, Ten Hag cut a despondent figure at the final whistle. The result leaves his side 10 points off fifth-placed Tottenham, and all but ends their hopes of Champions League qualification.