"Get Him Out and He Becomes Twice the Player" — Napoli President Urges Garnacho to Leave Manchester United

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has openly reignited his club’s interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, saying the Argentine would become “twice the player” if he leaves Old Trafford this summer.

Garnacho, 21, has been on Napoli’s radar for some time. The Serie A side tried to sign him in January with a £40 million bid, but United rejected the offer. Now, with the club reportedly open to selling the youngster, Napoli may return for him — and De Laurentiis is confident Garnacho’s best is yet to come.

Speaking to Italian media, the Napoli chief explained why he thinks Garnacho would thrive away from Manchester.

“Garnacho’s got pace, flair and potential,” De Laurentiis said. “But that’s not even why we want him. We want him because he’s at United. Get him out and he becomes twice the player. There’s a fault at United that I can’t explain.”

It’s a bold claim, but one that echoes the frustrations felt around Garnacho’s development. Despite being considered one of the most exciting young talents at United, the Argentine has struggled to find consistent form, particularly under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Amorim’s arrival last November brought major tactical changes to Manchester United, including a shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation. The system has little use for natural wingers, which has left Garnacho out of position and out of favour.

In fact, Garnacho was one of five players who reportedly informed the club earlier this summer that they wish to leave. United have made it clear they would consider offers for the winger if the price is right, with a valuation north of £50 million.

Adding fuel to the fire, Garnacho has not yet returned to Carrington for pre-season training. His return has been delayed, possibly to allow time for negotiations with other clubs.

Garnacho’s off-field behaviour hasn’t helped his case. He sparked backlash after calling United’s 2024/25 campaign “s**t” following a Europa League final loss to Tottenham, where he was benched. More recently, he posted an image of himself wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name and number, raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Napoli are eager to strengthen their attack following the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain in January. While they have already secured the signing of former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, they are still in the market for an explosive wide player — and Garnacho fits the profile.

Whether Garnacho ends up in Naples remains to be seen, but the interest from Serie A is real — and growing. If De Laurentiis is right, Manchester United could be letting go of a star just before his breakout moment.