Alejandro Garnacho scored Manchester United ‘s winner in their 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad (Soccrates/Getty)

Chris Sutton has slammed Bruno Fernandes for his criticism of Alejandro Garnacho after Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Garnacho delivered an impressive performance and scored United’s winner in Spain but it wasn’t enough to prevent Erik ten Hag’s side from finishing second in Group E, meaning they must now play a Europa League play-off in February.

The 18-year-old has barely featured for United this season and speaking after the victory against Real Sociedad, Fernandes accused the midfielder of restricting his first-team opportunities due to a poor attitude during the club’s pre-season campaign.

‘He was good but he knows we expect a lot from him,’ Fernandes said of Garnacho after United’s win over Real Sociedad.

‘Obviously he’s still really young, he’s doing really well.

‘At the beginning of the season he was not at his best. In the [pre-season] tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now.

‘He’s getting his chances because he’s training better, he’s got a different attitude and he’s deserving his chances.’

Bruno Fernandes claims Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude problems were evident during Manchester United’s pre-season campaign (BT Sport)

When asked about Fernandes’ comments on Garnacho, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton told BT Sport: ‘Totally unnecessary

‘The message which I think Erik ten Hag wants coming out of Manchester United is that it’s harmonious.

‘I was really surprised at that. He could’ve used different language.

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‘Garnacho had a brilliant game tonight, he was the one real threat Manchester United had.

‘I don’t get that from Bruno. He’s better than that.’

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‘I don’t get that from Bruno. He’s better than that.’