Enzo Maresca Issues Garnacho Warning Ahead of Man Utd Return

Garnacho in Line for First Chelsea Start

Enzo Maresca has revealed that Alejandro Garnacho could make his first Chelsea start this weekend when the Blues face Manchester United at Old Trafford. The winger left United for Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day in a £40m move.

🚨🧨 Maresca: “Ale Garnacho vs Man United? I think he’s ready to start”.

“In the last two games, he was inside very good. We are happy in the way he is adapting to our style”. pic.twitter.com/Cl2dXdWM4x

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 19, 2025

Fallout Sparked United Exit

Once considered the future of United’s attack, Garnacho’s relationship with manager Ruben Amorim broke down after the Europa League final defeat in May. Alongside Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, he was exiled from the first team before securing a switch to Chelsea.

Positive Signs at Chelsea

Since joining, Garnacho has featured off the bench against Brentford and Bayern Munich, catching the eye with lively performances. Maresca believes the 21-year-old is adapting quickly to Chelsea’s style.
“In the last two games, he was very good. He can make a big impact in the second half. We are still working on what we want from him as a winger,” the Chelsea boss said. “If he’s ready to start tomorrow, then I think he’s ready to start.”

United Under Pressure

Chelsea arrive in Manchester after their first defeat of the season against Bayern in the Champions League, while United’s struggles continue with just one win from five league games. Reports suggest Amorim may only have three fixtures left to save his job despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing.

Maresca’s Warning to Garnacho

Maresca cautioned that Garnacho must be prepared for a difficult reception at Old Trafford. United supporters remain divided over his sale, and emotions are expected to run high when they see their former star in Chelsea blue.
“I don’t know what the reaction will be — that’s for the fans, not for me,” Maresca explained. “But he has to be ready for the worst. Against Bayern Munich, every time Cucurella touched the ball he was booed.”

An Emotional Return Awaits

Saturday’s clash could prove a defining moment in Garnacho’s early Chelsea career — a first start for his new club, against his former team, in front of supporters who once saw him as the face of United’s future.