Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has issued an emotional message on social media as he confirms he will miss several of the club’s upcoming games as well as his first international call-up.
The youngster was on the receiving end of a scissor tackle by Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters on Sunday, which despite Casemiro receiving a red for his own accidental follow-through on Carlos Alcaraz, did not result in a booking.
Regardless, the card-worthy albeit accidental challenge left the 18-year-old writhing on the floor in pain for several minutes as United medical staff examined him before he was ultimately helped to his feet and limped off the pitch.
While Reds will have been hoping it was merely a knock, the Argentinian forward shared an update to Instagram followers on Tuesday, informing them that he will now “not be able to help [his] team in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season”.
Even prior to his statement, fears over the extent of his damage only worsened after TyC Sports’ Gastón Edul reported that following initial scans, Garnacho’s injury was found to be “worse than expected” and might also miss his upcoming games for Argentina.
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It is thought that he sustained an ankle ligament injury as a result of the collision and will now miss United’s Europa League Round of 16 match against Real Betis, their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham; Argentina’s friendlies against Panama and Curaçao, as well potentially further league games.
The teenager received a first senior call-up for his country only earlier this month but as explained in the post, he is “disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with [his] teammates in the Argentinian National Team”, noting it “would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family.”
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While Garnacho vowed to “come back stronger than ever”, Edul claims that the players could be ruled out for “six weeks” or more.
Sadly, the much nastier and more disappointing backdrop to Garnacho’s injury was the racist abuse Walker-Peters received from so-called ‘fans’ online following the match.
Issuing his own statement after the game, the 25-year-old said: “the racial abuse I received is something that no player or person should ever have to experience. We need to be better, and this is bigger than just football”. He also called on social media platforms to do more to prevent these incidents.
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He ended his message by wishing Garnacho the best and insisting, “it would never be my intention to injure a fellow professional. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back in action as soon as possible.”
Southampton have condemned the abuse, noting that they are “disgusted and disappointed in the behaviour of those online who lower themselves to abusing players for the colour of their skin” as well as taking aim at social media platforms “who allow such hatred to breed and fester.” Garnacho and teammate Raphael Varane were two of the first to send their messages of support
Injuries happen but abuse like this never should.
Football belongs to everyone and racism has no place in the beautiful game.
Featured Image — Alejandro Garnacho (via Instagram)
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A young lad is walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza for a truly tear-jerking cause
Danny Jones
We recently came across the story of a young man who has set himself the task of walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza in an effort to raise money for a truly tear-jerking charitable cause.
In case you haven’t heard of him already, the legend responsible behind this is Henry Oscar Moores, a 21-year-old from Macclesfield in Cheshire who is essentially completing a marathon every single day to complete his voyage from rainy 0161 to sunny Spain.
Nearly halfway into his epic trek already, the youngster has been battling plenty of obstacles, not least heavy rain – and that was just here in Greater Manchester…
Going live each day as thousands of followers tune in to support his latest steps, his real-world journey has sparked a wholesome new community online and we’ve got nothing but the utmost respect.
It’s set to take him around 60 days in total, all being well, but what exactly is Henry Moores doing all this for? Or rather who?
Well, the answer is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, as the ‘Henry Walk’ from Manchester to Ibiza is all in aid of the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity set up in honour of the now nine-year-old boy of the same name and the youngest ever Pride of Britain winner.
Hudgell was sadly the victim of horrific child abuse ever since he was a toddler, so much so that he had to have both of his legs amputated as a result of the treatment. In 2020, when he was still just five, Tony set out to raise £500 by walking 10k in his prosthetic legs. He ended up amassing £1.8m. Incredible.
With a non-profit officially registered in his name since 2021, the organisation aims to provide support to children affected by physical, emotional or psychological abuse. His story also helped usher in Tony’s Law. Now taking over the reins, Henry is pounding the pavement on his behalf – and smashing it.
He’s even been given an added incentive by Ibiza’s Ocean Beach owner, Wayne Lineker.
Promising to help Henry finish the walk if he makes it all the way to his final 30k leg in Ibiza Town to the famous club – he’s already polished off the 507km from Manchester to Portsmouth and is currently chipping away at the 1818km stint from Caen in France to Denia – Lineker and the likes of radio DJ Charlie Sloth have been backing the effort since day one.
Describing Tony as an inspirational young figure “who captures hearts with his bravery, optimism, and infectious smile”, even despite his daily struggle and constant treatment, we can’t overstate the admiration we have for both of them. He’s already smashed his initial £20k and just keeps going.
“We really appreciate any donations; we know times are tough. Don’t hesitate if you can’t donate; continue to share and support us in any other way. Thanks to everyone for the past couple of weeks; it’s been insane.” You can do your bit by donating HERE or to Tony Hudgell’s operation fund directly.
Featured Images — Henry Moores (via Instagram)/JustGiving
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‘Get off the pitch and shut up’: Jamie Carragher slates Man United trio for behaviour after 4-0 defeat
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher was left slating André Onana, Mason Mount and Antony dos Santos for their behaviour after the full-time whistle of Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace, telling them to “just get off the pitch and shut up“.
The Liverpool legend and ex-England international was in the studio for Monday Night Football as per and didn’t hold back on his criticism of United all evening, labelling the game an “embarrassment” and even going so far as to call them “one of the most poorly coached teams in the Premier League”.
However, it was the behaviour of the aforementioned Man United trio that particularly riled him up from a former player and pundit’s perspective, who cameras caught deliberating over something in the game and covering their mouths with their hands to prevent any lip-reading as they walked towards the tunnel.
No nonsense and no holding back.
Interjecting as Sky Sports host noted Antony, Mount and Onana discussing something, Carragher couldn’t help but interject: “Just get off the pitch! Talking and whispering behind your hand? You’ve been awful!
“[Antony’s] probably talking about one of the players, or somebody else, or the set-up or the manager—just shut up and get in. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
These three weren’t even the ones to get the biggest stick either, with Carra clearly having it out for Casemiro following his admittedly poor performance, having once again been deployed as a makeshift centre-back due to the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
The 46-year-old added, “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level”, going on to advise from one former pro to another ageing one, “Leave the football before the football leaves you”.
Now 32, despite having arrived as somewhat of a crucial saviour figure in the Man United midfielder last season who can still chip in with the occasional goal too – albeit one prone to reckless challenges and the odd injury – it’s fair to say his performances haven’t been great over recent months.
As for his side, they managed yet another unwanted feat under Erik ten Hag after recording 13 losses with Monday night’s result, the most they’ve ever recorded in a Premier League season; the four finishes also saw them reach a total of 81 goals conceded, the largest tally they’ve ever let in.
The result sees the Red Devils sat in 8th just five points ahead of West Ham, who’ve just sacked former United boss David Moyes for the second time, and minus three on goal difference.
Is it time up for the likes of Casemiro and, more importantly, how much of a chance does ten Hag have of keeping his job?