Sulking Alejandro Garnacho told football is ‘not for him’ as Man Utd star is accused of having ‘thin skin’ for refusing to celebrate goal against Leicester

The Argentina international winger put the finishing touches to the Red Devils’ 3-0 win over Leicester at Old Trafford, as he curled a stunning 82nd-minute strike into the top corner. Garnacho appeared reluctant to acknowledge that effort after seeing it hit the net, with several team-mates – including club captain Bruno Fernandes – holding deep discussions with the 20-year-old forward.

Garnacho had been goaded by a United supporter ahead of a midweek Europa League clash with PAOK and is said to feel as though fans are turning against him. Ex-Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes anyone playing for a team the size of Manchester United needs to be able to turn a deaf ear to any detractors.

Deeney has told talkSPORT of Garnacho’s sulky antics: “It goes twofold. One, it says what players are like nowadays, where their skin is so thin that one gentleman can say what he wants to say and everyone sulks. And secondly, if he's getting affected by that, I would say to him, just as an older pro: '[I] don't think this football game is for you, big man'.”

The ex-Watford frontman added: “Because you play for the biggest club in world football. If you play poorly, you're going to get people to get on your case. If you play really well, you're still going to get people to get on your case. You play for Man United. It's called jealousy and that's part of the game. So, disappointed that he didn't celebrate. It's an unbelievable goal. But this will be the making or breaking of him, because if he can't handle that from one gentleman with an iPhone in his face, then I don't think this is the game for him, unfortunately.”

One-time Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan is another to have criticised Garnacho for reacting negatively to “hurty words”, with the youngster being urged to “change the narrative”. United, who are now working under new boss Ruben Amorim, will be back in action on November 24 when taking in a trip to Ipswich.