Why Garnacho transfer failed as Napoli chief sheds light on Man Utd saga

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho missed out on a transfer to Napoli due the club's wage structure.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna revealed that the Serie A side engaged in talks with the 20-year-old and came close to an agreement with Manchester United. Ulimtately Garnacho remained at Old Trafford, despite interest from  Chelsea in addition to the Italians.

United were open to selling the winger for the correct price but Garnacho has remained part of Ruben Amorim's recent team selections. The Red Devils could have been tempted if Napoli returned with an increased bid.

Despite selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli did not attempt to prise Garnacho from United following their first offer. The player's salary expectations were too far out of line with their current players, Manna claimed.

"There were many who didn’t leave. We dealt with Garnacho even before Kvara’s departure," Manna explained, per Corriere dello Sport. “We made an important offer and came close to United’s demands.

"The player wanted to be satisfied financially, but I didn’t find that fair to the other players. We have an average wage level.”

Manna also revealed that Napoli came close to signing Borussia Dortmund ace Karim Adeymi. "We also dealt with him [Garnacho] before the sale of Kvara," he added.

"We work by characteristics. Garnacho was really credible, we were close, like with Adeyemi.

“We don’t want to create expectations and throw smoke in the eyes. We are sorry that everything we try comes out, you are probably good. When things change during the course I am sorry. Let’s stay focused and not get lost in negativity.”

United boss Amorim will not be flustered by retaining Garnacho's services however. The 40-year-old has been impressed by the ace's progress since he was dropped from the squad to face Manchester City in December.

"He changed right away since that game against Manchester City, the way he understands things, he understands that I just want to help him and I just want to win games," Amorim said.

"He changed in everything – the approach when I talk to him, the way he recovers, he understands sometimes I'm a different coach and that I'm demanding in my way.

"Sometimes it's hard with the first impact because it's a different type of coach. He understands [now] that it's never in a bad way – it's always for him.

"I think all the merit is for Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. On Thursday he understood the position, the moments of playing inside or outside, and the connection with Diogo Dalot is improving a lot."