Former Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho received a hostile reception as he made his first start for new club Chelsea in the Carabao Cup third round against Lincoln City
Scott Trotter Sports Writer
15:14, 24 Sep 2025
Alejandro Garnacho made his full Chelsea debut on Tuesday(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
Alejandro Garnacho is looking forward to playing in front of Chelsea’s fans after receiving a hostile reception on his full debut for the club.
The former Manchester United winger was booed during the Blues’ hapless first half, and his every touch was met with a negative reaction from home fans at the LNER Stadium, as the Imps took a 1-0 lead.
When the Argentina international was replaced after an hour — the Blues had staged a comeback to secure progression in the Carabao Cup — Lincoln fans gave an explicit verdict on his performance amid chants at the winger.
Garnacho had already come off the bench for the Blues in the Champions League and Premier League following his £40million switch from Old Trafford, after a summer training away from Ruben Amorim’s first team.
But the 21-year-old was left on the bench when United claimed victory over Chelsea at the weekend, his first return to the ground since his summer exit, before being offered a first start against Lincoln.
“Happy to be in the next round,” Garnacho posted on Instagram to Chelsea supporters. “Can’t wait to see you at home on Saturday.”
Alejandro Garnacho posted on Instagram after Chelsea’s win at Lincoln(Image: Instagram/Garnacho7)
Blues boss Enzo Maresca was happy with the ex-United ace’s outing despite recording just one shot.
“Absolutely,” responded the Italian when asked if Garnacho took his opportunity. “It was not an easy game. That’s why I was upset first half because we know we need to do better.
“But overall, him [Garnacho], [Jamie] Gittens, they did very well.”
Maresca wanted to give his charge minutes against United last weekend and suggested that remaining on the bench was not because of the reception he would receive at Old Trafford.
“Garnacho was ready to go, but then Wes [Fofana] asked for the change because he was tired after a long time so we decided to go for Malo [Gusto],” he said. “But the idea was to give Garnacho minutes.”
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