Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has torn into Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho and instructed him to “be humble” after his social media activity following the clash between the two sides.
The Red Devils took on the Catalan giants in the Europa League play-off round after the Spanish side dropped out of the Champions League. Despite Barcelona enjoying an impressive domestic campaign, United ran-out 4-3 aggregate victors after staging an eye-catching Old Trafford comeback.
In the aftermath of the victory, 18-year-old forward Garnacho attempted to antagonise his opponents. He at first appeared to copy Pedri’s celebration by mimicking putting binoculars up his eyes.
The Argentine then took to social media with another tease. “The big team advanced to the next round,” he wrote shortly after the Red Devils progressed.
Araujo has given his thoughts on Garnacho’s antics and had a simple message for the United man. When asked if he was upset by the young forward’s behaviour by South American outlet infobae, he replied: “Yes. Everyone expresses what they want, but it wasn’t the time to post that.
“I respect everyone, and I think humility is important, but I prefer to respond on the field. He’s still young, has a long way to go. I think you have to be humble.”
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Despite his advice for Garnacho, Araujo has suggested that he will not dwell on it given that his side still have plenty to play for over the remainder of the campaign.
He said: "We both arrived at a good time and it was a good tie. We both competed to qualify but we didn’t manage it. We had to turn the page quickly and move on because we now have a big goal ahead which is to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.”
Garnacho has enjoyed a very promising debut campaign for the Red Devils after helping the club to the FA Youth Cup last term. He has made 29 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals - the most recent coming in a 2-0 success over Leeds.
His contributions for the rest of the season will be limited after a heavy tackle from Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters left him exiting Old Trafford on crutches. Erik ten Hag was unsure over when the youngster will be back.
“I can’t say exactly at this moment but it will take weeks, so it’s a serious injury,” Erik ten Hag said. “I didn’t expect (that) but a foul, a serious injury once again after Christian Eriksen (after a tackle by Reading’s Andy Carroll). We have a serious injury after contact.”
