MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Alejandro Garnacho's low-key goal celebration against Leicester on Sunday was because he believes some Manchester United fans have lost faith in him, captain Bruno Fernandes said.
Garnacho curled a long-range shot into the top corner to seal a 3-0 win for United at Old Trafford, but instead of celebrating with the crowd, he looked frustrated as he made his way back to the halfway line for the restart.
“Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans," Fernandes told the BBC. "I told him people will always moan, but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.
“I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference-makers. They are the ones who win us games."
Garnacho came on as a 57th-minute substitute and scored his seventh goal of the season.
The 20-year-old Argentina international is considered one of United's brightest young players and scored in last season's FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
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Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho scores his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Leicester City, at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Nov.10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho , right, celebrates with his teammate Bruno Fernandes after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Leicester City, at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Nov.10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
ATLANTA (AP) — Duke's young players are still having issues with cramping.
While Cooper Flagg made it to the end of the game Tuesday night against Kentucky, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 77-72 loss, another freshman was forced out with the same issue that has plagued Flagg.
Center Khaman Maluach began cramping in the first half and wound up playing only 23 minutes. He finished with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks.
“I think we were up nine when Khaman started cramping in the first half,” coach Jon Scheyer said. “I think part of it is we have young bodies. I think that’s part of it, where we’ve got to help these guys. Again, we’re not trying to just dip our toes in the water. We need Cooper to play a lot and Khaman too.”
The 17-year-old Flagg, who has been projected as the possible top pick in next year's NBA draft, had cramping issues in No. 6 Duke's first two games, both victories. That prompted Scheyer to lash out at his staff for not getting his prized recruit in the best possible condition.
That wasn't a problem against No. 19 Kentucky, though Flagg appeared to be struggling physically in the closing minute as he turned the ball over twice, allowing the Wildcats to pull out the victory.
“I wish I could say I didn’t," Flagg said when asked he was fatigued. “I felt it a little bit and tried to fight through it the best I could.”
The Blue Devils also lost a more experienced player, graduate guard Sion James, who fell to the court with an apparent right shoulder injury after running into a screen. He had four points in 13 minutes.
“I don’t know his status,” Scheyer said. “He took a hard hit on that screen, a hard hit. We’ll get him back and get him evaluated and see. Obviously those two guys (James and Maluach) are really important to us.”
The Blue Devils have dealt with cramping issues before. Paolo Banchero had a similar problem early in his lone season at Duke, but he went on to lead the team to the Final Four before becoming the top overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
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Duke Blue guard Sion James (14) scores during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore )
Duke Blue guard Sion James leaves the court after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Kentucky center Amari Williams (22) drives against Duke center Khaman Maluach (9) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore )
Duke Blue center Khaman Maluach (9) reacts after a Blue Divila's basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore )
Duke guard Cooper Flagg (2) takes a shot as Kentucky forward Brandon Garrison (10) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore )
Duke guard Cooper Flagg (2) passes as Kentucky forward Andrew Carr (7) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore )
