Paul Scholes reveals huge Man Utd ‘fear’ as Chelsea eye £65m transfer

Paul Scholes ‘fears’ Manchester United will watch Alejandro Garnacho score ’25 to 30 goals’ for another club next season after potentially selling him in the summer.

Garnacho, 20, was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January and United remain open to offers for the winger.

Chelsea expressed interest in bringing Garnacho to Stamford Bridge during the winter window and are expected to revive their interest in the Argentina international this summer.

In response to interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Serie A leaders Napoli, Manchester United have reportedly slapped a £65m asking price on Garnacho.

That steep fee has not completely put Chelsea off a summer move and the Blues will consider whether to submit an official offer nearer the time.

Manchester United legend Scholes ‘fears’ his former club will cash in on Garnacho to help meet the increasingly stringent financial rules.

However, the ex-England midfielder believes it would be a mistake to sell Garnacho and says he could be the latest player to thrive following a move away from the Manchester giants.

The likes of Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Antony have all enjoyed upturns in form since leaving Old Trafford and Scholes believes Garnacho could follow suit by scoring ’25 to 30 goals’ a season for his next club.

Asked if Garnacho can still develop into an important player at United, Scholes told TNT Sports: ‘I think he can. 

‘He’s perfect in a regular 4-3-3. He will be a real threat. He needs to tidy up his decision-making and finishing, sometimes his final ball is a bit rash but he’s a young player so that’s to be expected. 

‘I fear we will see him for £50-60m for PSR reasons. It’s been rumoured, hasn’t it? I fear he will end up scoring 25 to 30 goals for somebody else, that’s how good I think this lad can be. 

‘Shoehorning him into this system might be tricky, I’m struggling to find a position for him in Ruben Amorim’s system. 

‘I don’t want them to sell him, I hate the thought of that, but I think they could do. I wouldn’t like it. He frustrates me but he’s often the biggest threat for Manchester United.’ 

Fellow former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves added: ‘I think he’s really special and he’s a man for the big moments. He can deal with the pressure at this club. 

‘The problem is Ruben Amorim’s system suits No. 10s but he’s better on the wings running at people, he’s probably United’s best player at that. 

‘I hope he stays. He’s too good to let go. I would never want the club to sell him. But the system is an issue because it doesn’t suit some of the players.’ 

Garnacho addressed the intense speculation surrounding his future at Manchester United ahead of the club’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

‘Obviously as a footballer you want to read and listen to some rumours about the future but I have a contract here until 2028,’ he said. ‘I am happy here.

‘We know we have to work hard to be even in the squad and I just have to train well every day and I will be available for all the games.

‘I think it is not easy when in the middle of the season you change the manager and all the staff but, in my mind, it is always try to work hard every day and show the manager I need to play and that is the only thing I need to do.’

Garnacho has made 141 appearances for Manchester United since breaking into the first-team in 2022, scoring 26 goals.

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