Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a stunning 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Red Devils went into the game as slight underdogs. They looked on course for a Manchester derby defeat until a dramatic comeback in the closing stages.
United’s memorable win has been followed by stories over which player had leaked the line-up to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
The starting XI for United was revealed nearly 24 hours before the Manchester derby and Luckhurst has now provided more clarity on the situation.
The M.E.N journalist said that neither Alejandro nor Roberto Garnacho sent him the United team. He has never formally met or spoken with either sibling.
He wrote in his column: “It is worth clarifying that neither Alejandro nor Roberto Garnacho sent me the United team when I got it on Saturday evening. I have never formally met or spoken to either sibling.”
Luckhurst also clarified that the news was not directly obtained from a player or their relative, but the source of the weekend team news is well established.
Amorim had the opportunity to change his starting line-up after the leak, but went with the same combination. The decision was justified by the dramatic win.
Despite the result, United need to start serious investigation into team leaks. Over the past year, the XI has been often revealed an hour or two prior to the game.
This does not happen at other clubs such as Arsenal or Liverpool. United must find the mole who has been leaking the team news before the formal announcement.
The club were not hampered by the revelation at the weekend, but it could be a huge disadvantage in future. Opposition could change their tactical plans based on the line-up.
There has been much criticism angled towards Garnacho and his brother over the last 24 hours. Luckhurst’s latest update should put an end to that speculation.
Article written by Sri Aswin .
