Manchester United have offered emotional support to winger Amad Diallo after he was subjected to sickening online abuse. Amad took a picture with former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho after United beat Chelsea at Old Trafford, leading to a fan backlash.

Amad Diallo has deleted all of his Instagram posts after sparking backlash from Manchester United fans with a picture alongside former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho. The winger started in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea but came under fire after sharing a smiling snap with the Argentine, who was booed throughout at Old Trafford following his controversial exit this summer.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions he avoided bringing on Alejandro Garnacho in Saturday's defeat against Manchester United because the winger was being jeered by his former club. The Argentina international was met with a chorus of boos as he prepared to lock horns with United, only for Blues boss Maresca to decide to bring on both Tyrique George and Malo Gusto instead.

Manchester United’s senior players were forced to stage an intervention to address Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude before the winger’s exile from the first team and eventual move to Chelsea. Garnacho’s self-centred behaviour, both on and off the pitch, left Ruben Amorim and Red Devils players frustrated, ultimately leading to his Old Trafford exit just months after tensions began brewing.

That first international break of the season always comes at just the wrong time. With teams starting to get into the groove as they switch from pre-season to competitive action, and with the final new signings of the summer arriving on deadline day, that Premier League fans had to wait two weeks to see their teams in action was almost a travesty. Fortunately, that wait is now over.