24 February 2023 , 21:08
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Alejandro Garnacho has been criticised by the Spanish press for mocking Barcelona midfielder Pedri in his latest Instagram post.
Garnacho, 18, came off the bench to help Manchester United beat Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night. The visitors opened the scoring through Robert Lewandowski, but second-half goals from Fred and Antony secured a 4-3 aggregate win for United.
The result means Erik ten Hag's side will play Barcelona's La Liga rivals Real Betis in the last 16 of the Europa League. Garnacho, who born in Madrid, was delighted with the win - but his Instagram post has angered Barcelona supporters and the Spanish press.
Garnacho put his hands over his eyes to copy Pedri's trademark 'glasses' celebration at full-time before uploading a photo of that image on to his Instagram feed, which has 4.6 million followers. "The big team passes [the] round," wrote Garnacho.
Pedri, 20, is one of Barcelona's best players. The Spain international won the Golden Boy award in 2021, which crowned him as the best young footballer in Europe. Pedri missed Thursday night's game between United and Barcelona with a hamstring injury.
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The Spanish press are not happy with Garnacho's actions. Mundo Deportivo have described the Instagram post as "a gesture in very poor taste from an 18-year-old boy who hasn't been in elite football for very long". Barcelona fans also took exception to the post.
The 'glasses' is Pedri's trademark celebration (Getty Images)What do you make of Alejandro Garnacho's actions? Let us know in the comments below!
One supporter claimed Garnacho was looking for attention while another asked, "Who are you?" One Barcelona fan even pointed out, "Pedri was the Golden Boy at 18 and you are a spare [substitute or reserve] at 18."
Garnacho, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, is enjoying a breakthrough season at Old Trafford. United's reigning Young Player of the Year has scored three goals in 26 games for Ten Hag's side. He also won the FA Youth Cup last term.
Yet Garnacho is also proving to be a decisive figure. The talent is yet to commit his long-term future to United - although it is believed he is close to a new deal - and his attitude was questioned by Ten Hag after a 3-0 home win against Sheriff Tiraspol in October.
"I was not happy with him, but the last weeks I was happy with him," said Ten Hag. "He had a better attitude, more resilience, more determination and what you see he has the talent. It's young kids. They have to grow and know what are the demands of top football.
"It's not only about a trick or scoring one goal, we have to win football games. Every day you have to fulfil the highest standards and we have to teach that, but not only him, all the players and especially the young players."
Garnacho's international future is another hot topic. He was born in Madrid and represented Spain at under-18 level, but switched his allegiance to Argentina - the country of his mother's birth. He was even called up to the senior squad last March, although he is yet to make his debut. Spain are trying to persuade him to change his mind.
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