Louis Saha: Manchester United should ‘get rid’ of Alejandro Garnacho

In a wide-ranging assessment of his former club Manchester United, the Champions League winning striker tells Coin Poker why Ruben Amorim should sign Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez and is excited by the likely arrival of Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo. 

Saha also slammed Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude and explains how a spineless dressing room has allowed the attacking player to get away with things that Keane, Beckham and Rooney wouldn’t have entertained. 

Manchester United

Q: What do you expect from Matheus Cunha at Manchester United?

Louis Saha: I think Matheus Cunha can give Manchester United so much quality that they’re lacking. He’s got power and technical ability, and the confidence to use them both. He’s got an eye for a goal, but he creates them too.

Above all, he’e got the mentality that the club desperately needs right now. He’s creative, but he works hard, just like Bryan Mbeumo. That’s what the players already at the club need to learn from. We need players who don’t blink when they’re asked to put a shift in, who don’t complain about everything. That’s the profile they need to have.

The players who are being brought in need to be ready to sacrifice everything for two years to drag the club back to the top, and I think Cunha is a player who understands that strategy.

Q: With only Amad seemingly secure at the club, do you see him having a big career at Old Trafford?

Louis Saha: Last season, Amad proved any of his doubters wrong. He showed everyone that he has the ability to perform consistently and make important contributions at decisive moments.

You can see how good he is by how much he was missed when he was injured. United just don’t look the same without him, and when he came back he transformed things once again. He has an enormous talent, and I love his mentality. He plays for the club, he gives everything for the badge.

It’s the type of player I love, and he deserves to be supported. Alejandro Garnacho has the same talent, but it’s Amad who actually understands the game, and has committed to developing as a player. Amad isn’t making demands, and he isn’t complaining about getting his chances. He’s looking at the older players around him and learning from them; when to try certain things, when to be safe. 

The problem for United is that they’ve stopped this kind of development. He was overshadowed by Antony and Erik ten Hag didn’t give him a chance, but still he didn’t complain. He is going to be recognised next year, and he deserves respect. He shouldn’t be given guarantees, but we can appreciate him more. I’m really looking forward to seeing him playing a key role for Manchester United next season. 

Q: Do you think Ruben Amorim can survive the opening fixture list without finding his job under threat?

Louis Saha: We’re all looking at a tough start for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, but this is the beauty of football. You can anticipate and expect what’s going to happen, but there are no guarantees.

The start is going to be tough for Amorim. It’s extremely important he starts well, because I think when he joined, he did it at a bad time. He didn’t really want to take the job then, he didn’t have the squad he needed and the club was halfway through a season. Things weren’t in place as he wanted.

I think after six months though, the club and players know what Amorim wants. A lot of the troublemakers will be gone. The players who are still there need to implement that now. He’s got 10 games, I think, to show that he’s solved the problem. I think the results will come sooner rather than later.

Q: Is Emi Martinez the kind of goalkeeper who can handle the pressure at United?

Louis Saha: Every top side needs a top class goalkeeper. Emi Martinez has been voted the best in the world for two years. He’s been exceptionally consistent with Aston Villa and Argentina. He’s done really well.

Those are the players United need. They need competition, and if Andre Onana stays, he’ll have to understand why another player is above him in the pecking order. They need great performers like United used to have.

Martinez won’t be able to rest on his reputation and just have a few good games. He’ll need to be exceptional every game, and that is what you need especially from a goalkeeper. He’s a great shot-stopper, one of the best in the world. He’s also the kind of character that gives a side confidence, so it’ll be interesting to see if he did end up at Old Trafford. 

He might not be as good on the ball, but I’ve not been overwhelmed by Onana’s ability with his feet either, there’s only been a few assists.

Q: Jose Mourinho reportedly wants Jadon Sancho at Fenerbahce – is this a transfer doomed to end in rancour?

Louis Saha: I think it could work out. A manager always wants the best players he thinks he can sign. I think for Mourinho, he’ll only want Sancho because he believes he understands him and can work with him. He won’t sign someone he doesn’t think he can’t get the best out of.

Of course, it hasn’t worked for Sancho at United, and Chelsea didn’t want to keep him. He’s definitely a terrific player, so Fenerbahce could be pulling off an excellent signing for him, but United don’t want that problem anymore. There’s a mismatch between the player and the club. If it’s Turkey with Jose, or Saudi Arabia, good for Sancho, but United need to go in a different direction and that means that Jadon should be looking to join a new club this summer. 

Q: Is Marcus Rashford kidding himself if he thinks Barcelona would be interested?

Louis Saha: No, I think he’s a top player. He has a bit of a similar trajectory to what’s going on with Alejandro Garnacho. He arrived early but he developed without the right kind of players and people around him, maybe his entourage was a bad influence.

He played with Wayne Rooney, but soon he was the main man, who was given too much responsibility. Maybe he was burdened with too much by the club, and it’s hard to just blame the player when the club expected so much from him.

Perhaps it is unfair to expect so much and he simply could not cope with those demands. But in terms of quality, Rashford is still one of the best in the world on his day. He’s unbelievable, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s interested in Barcelona and they’re interested in him. He could be a great player for a big club.

The question for Marcus is if he can ever do it again regularly, can he be untouchable like he once was? He used to excel, and he’d be joining a really confident Barcelona squad with teenagers who are already unplayable. Lamine Yamal could be a Ballon d’Or winner soon, it’s crazy. Then there’s Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, players like that who just don’t mess around. They know their job. Does Rashford?

Q: What would Roy Keane have said to Alejandro Garnacho after wearing Rashford’s Villa top?

Louis Saha: Back in my day, I think Roy would have welcomed Garnacho back to the training ground with a few crunching tackles to help him understand what he thought of him. I can’t say for sure, but I really doubt Keane will agree with what Garnacho did.

It’s the type of things we see from new generations. To be honest, I can’t only blame Garnacho. The way the squad has been built, it’s why Garnacho thinks he has the right to do something like this, why he thinks he can make stupid comments and say things on social media. He thinks he’s going to get something out of it, and right now, United are the club who are giving him the platform to act this way.

He already thinks he’s a top player, already makes demands, acts without respect. It’s a shame, but there are other factors than just the player. The club and the squad, they’ve already lost the leaders. The bad influences have already taken over. They think they’re bigger and better than they are.

Keane, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham, Gary Neville, they would all make sure you understand what wasn’t allowed. They wouldn’t give players the luxury to act like this. He’s been let down because he’s been given too much responsibility for a player who hasn’t earned it yet.

It’s fine if you’re playing like Wayne Rooney. If you score 20 or 30 goals a season, do what you want, demand what you want. Garnacho has five goals and he’s carrying on like this. It’s crazy.

Q: Is the Garnacho-Nkunku swap a good deal?

Louis Saha: Everyone can benefit from the move. It’s a win-win. United want players who are dedicated, work hard, are eager to play and who have talent. We want players who want to play well, and there’s extra motivation in the year of a World Cup.

I think Nkunku knows if he plays well, he can get back in the French squad for the summer. At the same time, he’s not the kind of player who disrupts the dressing room.

As for Garnacho, if he wants to go, get rid of him. I used to be a huge fan, but that’s over. Anyone like this, if they want to go, go. Even if you lose money, it doesn’t matter, because you can bring in a player who can behave as they should.

Fulham

Q: Would £10 million for Oleksandr Zinchenko be a bargain?

Louis Saha: With his experience, I can see that he’d be a really good signing for Fulham. There are many things that would help Fulham if he came, and it’s a move that makes sense.

As I said, he brings experience, but his quality will add solidity and stability to Fulham. Fulham have been one of the most consistent sides in recent years in the league, and they play exceptionally at times. They’re rarely embarrassed, even by the top six. 

Zinchenko offers them balance and confidence. He’s shown how good he can be at City, and he might have suffered with competition at Arsenal, but he started well. I think Fulham would be a great destination for him.

Q: Would you understand if Tom Cairney turns down a new deal to join Wrexham?

Louis Saha: Yeah, I think he has been very loyal. Now it’s time for him to consider those moves that might make more sense for him. 

He’s been captain there for some time, and at a certain point you have to consider that you only get one career. You need to think about yourself, and if he decides Wrexham are the right club for him, everyone at Fulham will respect that decision.

He’s given Fulham everything for years, he’s been one of their top players consistently. He hasn’t played every game but he knows how to make an impact. He deserves the excellent reputation he has, but it may be time to move on.

Q: Do players join Wrexham for the money or for the Hollywood connection?

Louis Saha: No, there is a bit of a combination. Players will always consider what benefits their career. For Tom, he needs guarantees that he’ll have playing time, that he’s part of a plan. He’ll want to know the club are growing. For most players, they need to know where the club is headed and what they’ll be offered.

Of course, there’s another aspect and you need to be convinced that the money is right, and that’s important.

There’s another aspect too, of visibility. Wrexham are not a traditionally big club but they’re doing amazing things off the pitch, and the two owners are very commercially astute. It’s a different kind of club, it’s a new way of doing things, and they’re doing them well.

Newcastle United

Q: Newcastle need to sign a backup for Alexander Isak could Dominic Calvert-Lewin be the answer or do you think the youngster William Osula could be ready to be the backup as he does have 8 goals in 15 games for Denmark U21’s?

Louis Saha: I hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin gets a move to a big club next. I really like him as a player, but if I’m honest, I can’t say he’s been very consistent of late. He doesn’t have the numbers, and I know much of that is because he’s had it hard with injuries, but it might not be convincing enough to get a move to a Champions League club.

On the other hand, he’s an international player, and on his day he can score. He can be creative, but he might need to show what he’s capable of before he finds a move to the top level. He might have to take a different direction.

Another move that might work could be to Fulham, my old club. They are a club who can rehabilitate players, and they might be on the hunt for a striker if Rodrigo Muniz moves on. Right now, there might be too much competition, but he could be the kind of player they want, and they need a bigger squad. He could be the right option at Craven Cottage.

Q: If they lose Anthony Gordon this summer does that mean the club have gone backwards?

Louis Saha: Every squad has its flows, in and out. Anthony has done really well at Newcastle since he arrived, and he’s only getting better. He’s still got potential to improve.

Because of that, he’s attracting interest from huge clubs, and maybe Liverpool are even bigger than Newcastle. If he goes to Liverpool, it’ll be because they offer a better chance of winning trophies.

On the one hand, it shows Newcastle are doing the right things, developing players to this level, and their players are visibly succeeding. It’s a good sign really, because he’s only 24 and he’s come on so much at Newcastle, he’s still a kid really. 

Newcastle have shown with him, and other players including Joelinton, that it’s only a good thing to join the club. They’ve developed well without spending more than they can afford, and they have the ability to get even better even if he leaves.

Q: If Anthony Elanga joins from Nottingham Forest is that a good signing?

Louis Saha: He’s a top player who’s always trying to improve. He’s shown amazing ability for Nottingham Forest, and I hope he gets the most from his career.

He’s the type of player who meets Newcastle’s trajectory on the way up, and they want a big squad to cope with the demands of playing domestically and in Europe. I think he’s one of those players who can handle the physicality of the game, and he’s one of Nottingham Forest’s biggest assets. He’s essential to how they play.

I think he and Newcastle would both kick on if that transfer happened.

Q: Is it another indictment of Manchester United’s transfer strategy?

Louis Saha: I discussed that before on social media. I felt like Scott McTominay was a mistake when it happened. He was very efficient even if he didn’t play every game. He’d provide legs, physicality, height. He was still full of desire, passion and loyalty. Those are all things United have missed in the last few years. 

We need more players like Scott, not to sell them. When United were at their best we always had players who could do that job. Phil Neville, John O’Shea, Quinton Fortune, West Brom and Darren Fletcher. They were all amazing, not like Cristiano and Wayne Rooney, but vital to the balance of the squad. We wouldn’t reach finals without them, and we couldn’t win titles without them. They were players who would sacrifice every week, just like McTominay.

Letting him and Anthony Elanga leave, it’s a shame. You need to let those players develop, not frustrate them. Obviously you need your flair players, maybe they have more dominating agents, but the balance is all wrong. Letting them go was one of the biggest mistakes the club has made, and they need to rectify that.

Tottenham

Q: Is £60m the right valuation for Cristian Romero – Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen to drive the price down.

Louis Saha: I am very baffled about the transfer market. You know those prices for some players, they’re hard to understand.

I think agents can sometimes drive a player’s asking price up as much as clubs do, comparing other players who cost however much, even if they’re Saudi clubs who are paying extortionate fees. It’s a little crazy.

This is just what football is like now, the market is getting disrupted by some of the fees clubs are willing to pay, and they’re spending as much if not more on wages. It’s so hard to keep costs down at a club with the pressure from agents to pay more and more. I think it’s dangerous for football.

Q: Two of your former clubs returned to Champions League competition this summer. Who do you expect to fare better in the tournament, Newcastle or Tottenham?

Louis Saha: That’s a really good question. I think Tottenham’s got more experience, but Newcastle might be on the better trajectory right now, ever since the takeover. They definitely have confidence and power on the pitch, and I love their midfield. 

For Newcastle, I think they’re only two or three additions from being able to compete in Europe and at the top of the table. They’re going to have a good season next year, and they have been patient in the market as they build.

They’ve held their own against sides like PSG in Europe already, and I think they’re going to be a side that surprises a few people next year. If they can add to what they have, maybe two or three quality additions, I don’t see why they can’t take another forward step next season. 

Q: Eze is being linked with a move to both Tottenham and Arsenal this summer. Which club represents the best move for the Palace star this summer?

Louis Saha: I really like the player. I hoped he might consider Manchester United! But Arsenal are a team that are consistently at the top or near it, that’s why they could look for Eberechi Eze. They have Martin Odegaard, who’s a bit quiet on the pitch in terms of his numbers, so I can see why Mikel Arteta might be looking to change things up.

For Tottenham, I think they need to improve how they play in attack, so that’s a move that definitely makes sense. James Maddison is out injured sometimes, and Heung-min Son is maybe on his way after serving the club brilliantly over the last decade. . There’s an obvious space in the squad to slot him into.

There are moving parts at both clubs, I’m interested to see which side he might want to link up with. For Eze, it’s a decision where he needs to go with his heart, and of course they are bitter rivals. I like players who have favourite sides, who want to play for clubs with heritage, not just the salary. I’m old school. So if he ever dreamt of Spurs or Arsenal, he should choose that one.

Everton

Q: What do you make of Seamus Coleman’s new contract?

Louis Saha: I love that he’s staying. He’s an outstanding ambassador not just for Everton, but for football. He shows dedication and loyalty. I love this guy.

He’s so humble and he deserves more accolades and respect. He’s been through so much because Everton have endured some horrendous seasons, but he’s always been there even when they weren’t achieving what they should have been.

The last three or few years he’s been one of the bright sparks, so I can see why Everton have kept him on, and I’m not surprised he wanted to stay on either.

Q: What does Jarrad Branthwaite’s new contract mean for the club?

Louis Saha: We talk about how important the new stadium is for Everton, but you still need the players. The stadium is vital, but so is getting quality, committed players who want to stay for the long-term. It’s great to see for Everton.

We all know he’s been approached by Manchester United and other clubs, more than once, but to see him sign a fresh deal is a statement as the club develops the squad they have now.

They can aim for mid-table this season, try to win a cup, and it would be great to see them start the new season well.

Q: Everton’s new stadium should give them an extra competitive edge from a revenue perspective in the years to come. How many seasons will it take for Everton to return as a top 6 club, given their struggles over the past few years?

Louis Saha: It’s difficult to predict, because there are only two or three clubs who are guaranteed to stay competitive in the Premier League. It’s such a difficult league.

But the new stadium can really help Everton. A new atmosphere is something that lets you renew your future, it changes your perspective of what a club can be. Of course, they will need to work hard to keep the fans involved and to create a positive atmosphere, but financially it can take them to a new level.

That helps them recruit new stars, and to give them the package they want to take them higher up the Premier League. 

For example, If Everton want to qualify for the Champions League, and let’s not forget that they were knocking on the door with Moyes previously, you need to have a solid foundation, and that is where the new stadium becomes important. That is where an improving squad becomes important. 

I just can’t wait to see it. David Moyes has everything he needs at his disposal. It’s not only the stadium but the training facilities. Everything is going to be top notch now. So I’m looking forward to seeing that. And it could take two or three years minimum before we know just how far they can go.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Q: Are you expecting Ronaldo to play on beyond his new 2027 contract?

Louis Saha: With Cristiano Ronaldo, nobody knows. Nobody knows because it’s always up to him. He’s still proving to the world that he’s a great player even now. He’s showing it not just with Al Nassr, but with Portugal. To see him lift the National League trophy, it was amazing. 

Logic is different with this guy. Thinking about the World Cup, I think he’s already planning to be there. I would love to see him on that stage and I think he’s been clever not to go to the Club World Cup. It’s physically impossible for a player of his stature to gamble on a competition like this. We don’t know if it will mean anything, whatever the finances are.

For people who want to see the best World Cup we can, it’s great he’s kept himself safe and has rested. Ronaldo still puts on a great show, and he’ll be as fit and competitive as possible at the World Cup.

Q: Could Ronaldo be the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup?

Louis Saha: With Cristiano, nothing is impossible. With Portugal, they have incredible drive and they have incredible support. 

A tournament of this magnitude, Ronaldo can do anything, and so can Portugal. Obviously, we need a bit of a reality check. They’re not the favourites, and for Ronaldo, he might not be able to play every three days. When you’re 41 or 42, you just can’t recover like you used to. You need more time.

I trust the guy though, and Ronaldo will find something to get the most out of himself. I think he’s still extremely dangerous up front, and it’s just beautiful to see him still going. With Lionel Messi in the US too, you can appreciate his amazing career, as well, but I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I think what Ronaldo has done in the game eclipses Messi. 

Club World Cup

Q: What player has impressed you most at the FIFA Club World Cup? 

Louis Saha: I’ve seen some of the action so far and I look at Paris Saint-Germain, and I think two of their players stand out for me. Vitinha is a player who needs more recognition, and I think Achraf Hakimi is outstanding too.

It has to be Vitinha for me, though. His engine is remarkable, and he can adapt to being any player you want in midfield. He can be a six, he can be an eight, he has the ability of a 10 to create. He has more than that too, he can suck you into one position and then just bomb past you, and he has the skill to do everything.

I’m so impressed with him. His goal the other day, and he’s at the heart of everything, pulling strings. You can see how Luis Enrique wants everyone pressing, always giving options, and Vitinha is always there in the picture.

There are other great players there, including the strikers and midfielders, but it’s Vitinha who sets the tempo and example in every game.

Business 

Q: How do you think technology will change sports and entertainment, and where does AxisStars fit in?

Louis Saha: I do think that is already changing everything in so many ways, and teams will have to adapt. This is where I think when you look at business in general, if you don’t apply a strategy around AI, you’re going to be left behind. 

Sport is always extremely protective. You can see that with unions. Clubs or federations will always try to protect their control on the game. I developed the AxisStars Community to democratise access to information and trusted companies so that Pro-Talent can get the support they need. By using tools like AI we can ensure access to the most relevant and successful advice.

With AI, knowledge will no longer be as exclusive as it is. So clubs may need to readdress and be prepared to share more knowledge and power. They will try to resist but ultimately they will have to give in and give more to the players, and to the fans.

Technology will keep changing the nature of broadcasting, and it will need to better serve the interests of players and fans. I think players are starting to understand already that the power rests with them. 

Q: As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to current athletes and entertainers looking to leverage their personal brands into successful business ventures?

Louis Saha: The most important thing is to have the right support. You can’t do it alone, especially when you’re playing football. 

Just as in business, you can’t have your focus elsewhere, you need to focus on your job. It’s hard to do two things at once, so athletes and entertainers should only work with people they can trust.

Secondly, you’ll only be successful in your venture if it’s something you have real passion for. Don’t play in sectors you don’t like, don’t invest in areas you have no idea about. You might like gold, you might like another kind of asset or investment, but if that isn’t your field or your passion, someone is going to take your money from you.

You can quickly lose control and be at the mercy of someone else. People need to identify their passion and stick to it in business. Look at their industry, see what they don’t like, and use that passion for change. That’s the idea for a new business that can succeed.

Q: You’re well known for your time at Manchester United. What key lessons from playing under Sir Alex Ferguson have you carried into leading and growing AxisStars?

Louis Saha: You have to have resilience and you have to have courage. You have to have the courage to do things that you believe in. And, and as I said, you must always look at technology or at different things that are going on in society, and you have to adapt. So the ones who adapt survive. That’s what Sir Alex Ferguson did. He always adapted to stay current.

It might be that he would change an assistant coach, with the new man always able to appeal to the new generation of players – he would always try to find the right coach for the squad he had. It’s staff management at its peak. 

He would revolutionise the entire tactical systems that players use, but he’d never go against tradition and he always showed the club respect. He was someone who looked to the future, while cherishing and embodying the values of the past. 

That combination is what I want to take into the way I conduct business. The best advice I can offer is to be consistent in whatever you do. In business, and everything else. Be able to adapt, show resilience, humility and passion. That’s what Sir Alex is all about and those values are essential to successful business.