Why Alejandro Garnacho has been dropped by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has not been dropped by manager Erik ten Hag over his social media activity.

United sources have clarified Garnacho's bench status against Southampton is tactical and not linked to him liking a post quoting Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism of Erik ten Hag in midweek.

Garnacho liked an Instagram post detailing Ronaldo's diatribe against Ten Hag in a discussion with Rio Ferdinand. In April, Ten Hag rebuked Garnacho for liking a tweet that was critical of the Dutchman's decision to substitute Garnacho at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

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Despite emerging off the bench to score against Manchester City in the Community Shield and assisting Joshua Zirkzee's winner in the Premier League opener against Fulham, Garnacho has started only one of United's five games this season. Garnacho lined up in 38 consecutive matches last term.

Amad has been recalled at Garnacho's expense and Christian Eriksen is back in the starting XI for the first time since May.

Ten Hag said: "Amad is in a very good run, all during pre-season and all the games he played, so he's in a very good vibe.

"Christian Eriksen has had a very good pre-season and is very good in training. So he earned his place and of course now he has to prove but everyone has to prove a point.

"We always want to play good, but if we don't play good, we have to still win."

New signing Manuel Ugarte is on the bench and Ten Hag added: "He (Ugarte)'s had two sessions and not even full sessions with the team. He doesn't know everyone and needs time to integrate. But of course, we hope to bring him in as soon as possible, but