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.
Garnacho injury vs Southampton means he will miss his opportunity with Argentina. But refree thinks no penalty needed or even yellow cardpic.twitter.com/hTCCxmHZgw
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
Alejandro Garnacho & Raphael Varane issue messages of support to Kyle Walker-Peters ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GqxMrMe931
Founded in Los Angeles back in 2007, and making a splash on social media and growing in popularity ever since, Alo is a favourite among wellness enthusiasts and celebrities alike thanks to offering a curated collection of elevated performance and lifestyle apparel for all genders, aiming to blend the best of technical excellence with contemporary fashion.
Designed to inspire ‘mindful movement’ and ‘modern living’, the brand has a strong commitment to mind-body wellness, and even likes to call its stores sanctuaries.
Alo already has a selection of stores in London, but its move to Manchester marks the first time the brand has ventured outside of the capital to elsewhere in the UK, and has chosen to open doors at the Manchester Arndale complex, on the ever-popular New Cathedral Street.
Alo Yoga is opening its first UK store outside of London here in Manchester / Credit: Alo Yoga (Publicity Picture)
Recognised as the home of luxury brands in Manchester – with retailers such as Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss, and Ralph Lauren already stationed there – Alo is the latest retailer to select New Cathedral Street for its first location in the city.
Alo joins the recently-announced arrivals of Arc’teryx and Represent – the latter of which opened to huge success last October – after signing a 10-year lease.
Asset managers also say Alo’s arrival showcases just how much Manchester has become a ‘magnet’ for fast-growing brands that are keen to access a premium shopper audience.
The luxury activewear and lifestyle brand is moving into New Cathedral Street / Credit: Alo Yoga (Publicity Picture)
“Alo Yoga is a fantastic addition to our retail mix,” commented Scott Linard, who is the Portfolio Director for joint asset managers M&G Real Estate.
“We’re proud to support the growth of innovative brands like Alo Yoga who are seeking high-quality, well-located space to connect with new audiences, and their arrival highlights the strength and diversity of Manchester’s retail offer.”
Steve Gray, who is the Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, added: “Welcoming Alo Yoga to New Cathedral Street underlines its reputation as one of the UK’s premium retail destinations.”
No opening date for Alo Yoga in Manchester has been announced yet, so interested shoppers will need to keep their eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Alo Yoga (Press Pictures)
Sport
Ex-Manchester United player Brandon Williams issues public statement following sentencing
Danny Jones
Former Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams and his legal team have issued a statement following his recent sentencing over dangerous driving charges.
The Crumpsall-born defender left the club last year after being released following a 14-year stint in Red, graduating from Man United’s academy and making a number of first-team appearances before being sent out on a pair of loan spells.
After representing Norwich City 26 times and then making just 15 appearances for former youth coach Kieran McKenna‘s Ipswich Town, he hasn’t played professional football for more than 17 months.
Williams was officially given a 14-month prison sentence this past Friday, 23 May, but the term has been suspended for two years, and now Brandon himself has responded following the decision.
Once tipped to succeed Luke Shaw, Brandon Williams has not played a game for almost 18 months.
The free agent pleaded guilty to driving dangerously earlier this month after it was found had been driving at speeds of up to 99mph in a 70 zone prior to crashing his Audi A3.
Issuing a statement to The Manc via his lawyers at Blackfords LLP, he said: “I would like to thank my legal team headed by Richard Littler KC and Philip Williams of Blackfords LLP for establishing that I was not under the influence of any substance at the time of the accident.
“I have always accepted that my driving that day fell below the standard that is expected of me. It was never my intention to cause injury to anyone, but I am responsible for the standard of my driving. I make no excuses. I have learnt from this experience and will ensure there is no repetition.
“I wish to apologise again to those who were involved in the accident. Now that the case has concluded, I look forward to resuming my career with a new team later this year.”
Despite Chester Crown Court hearing that he and his female passenger at the time “appeared to have yellow balloons in their mouth” – typically associated with imbibing nitrous oxide a.k.a. ‘laughing gas’ – Williams has maintained that he was sober during the incident throughout the investigation.
On Friday, the former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams was given a 14-month sentence, suspended for two years, along with a three-year driving ban and 180 hours of community service after crashing his car while speeding at 99mph with a nitrous oxide balloon in his… pic.twitter.com/eeIKM6Z96n
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 24, 2025
The crash, which occurred on the A34 near Handforth in Cheshire back in August 2023, saw the left-back collide with a Ford Fiesta after a female motorist travelling behind him on the dual carriageway around 6pm claimed he seemed out of control of the vehicle. Both cars were heavily damaged.
While Williams will be avoiding jail time, his suspended prison sentence has not only seen him banned from driving for three years but will also see him have to complete 180 hours of community service.
In addition to the collision itself, Williams racked up a total of 30 points on his license for multiple offences, including twice failing to declare who was driving, operating a vehicle without third-party insurance, and now this latest development, having already paid a £1,000 fine in May 2024.
The 24-year-old has since spoken out about the incident in brief detail with Ben Foster (a fellow former United player) on his podcast.
Brandon Williams’ most recent statement isn’t the first time he’s touched upon the incident.
Danny Jones -
14th March 2023 
