Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes young Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho may eventually aspire to join one of La Liga’s elite, like Real Madrid or Barcelona.
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Garnacho has been one of United’s standout players amid recent challenges at Old Trafford, contributing significantly to the team with double-digit goals last season and scoring seven times in 18 appearances so far this term. In April 2023, he signed a contract extension, committing to United until 2028, but Butt is skeptical Garnacho will stay in Manchester long-term if a top Spanish team comes calling.
“Garnacho’s got all the potential to be world-class,” Butt shared on the Football’s Greatest podcast. “But all the top players eventually go to Spain—look at Real Madrid or Barcelona. They become global superstars, which just doesn’t happen the same way in the Premier League.” Butt explained that while Manchester United has a culture of loyalty, Spain’s elite clubs are often viewed as the “next level” for players wanting to become icons.
Butt isn’t alone in this view; fellow United legend Paul Scholes acknowledged the allure of Madrid and Barcelona, noting how the “best players” dream of those two destinations as the pinnacle of football stardom. “When players reach a certain level at United, the only lateral move is to go to Spain. While Juventus or Bayern Munich are fantastic clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona hold a different appeal for players looking to be remembered as icons,” Scholes commented.
Garnacho has attracted attention for both his performances and his intensity on the field, recently making headlines for a muted celebration after scoring in a win over Leicester City. Teammate and United captain Bruno Fernandes explained that Garnacho felt he’d “lost the faith” of some fans, which might have tempered his celebration.
As Manchester United moves forward under new manager Ruben Amorim, who takes over after interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final game, the club’s supporters hope Garnacho’s loyalty to Old Trafford will outlast any potential La Liga temptations. For now, though, all eyes will remain on the rising star’s progress as he continues to make his mark in the Premier League.
Garnacho to Madrid really is a matter of time, he’s gonna love it at Getafe
He knows the real goat and the biggest club
He’s better than Vinicius