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Alejandro Garnacho has struggled for consistent form during his time at Chelsea so far, with the Blues dealing with one problem in particular that was apparent at Manchester United
Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe believes Alejandro Garnacho is encountering the same difficulties during his early days at Chelsea that plagued him during his time at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old departed United last summer for a fee of £40million, having spent nearly five years at the club following his move from Atletico Madrid as a youngster.
During that period, Garnacho made 144 appearances for the senior side, netting 26 goals and providing 22 assists, a record that could, and perhaps should, have been considerably greater, given the danger he poses in the final third. So far, that trend has continued into his time at Chelsea.
In 29 appearances for the Blues, Garnacho has managed to score six times and assist a further three times, hitting some patchy form at Stamford Bridge. That has left many Chelsea fans frustrated, hoping that the glimmers of promise they see in his play can finally shine through on a consistent basis.
For Sharpe, however, it is that lack of clear decision-making that remains the most disappointing aspect of the Argentinian international's game. That has led him to suggest it was the reason United sold him, and that he continues to struggle with the same shortcomings at Chelsea.
He told BetBrain: "Alejandro Garnacho has picked up where he left off at Manchester United. When he's on form, he's one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League, but one of the reasons Manchester United let him go was because of his decision-making in the final third, which is something he still struggles with.
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"He can become really frustrating when he gets into good positions in and around the penalty box. He'll get better in those situations with experience and age, but it's still something he needs to work on for now."
It's undoubtedly an aspect of Garnacho's overall game that left numerous United supporters frustrated, as they recognised he could offer considerably more if these areas were enhanced.
In the end, it seemed to be one factor behind the sale, though there were also suggestions of a rift between Ruben Amorim and Garnacho that apparently played a significant part in the summer departure, with Chelsea ultimately capitalising on the opportunity.
"He [Garnacho] creates a threat in terms of his movement," Liam Rosenior stated earlier this month whilst defending his forward after a difficult run of form.
"I've got full backing of him and I will always protect my players and I think he just needs to get some games and some rhythm, which is difficult at the moment because of the amount of changes we're making. I back him to have a really good second half of the season."
Garnacho could face United once more this season in mid-April, when they meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in what might prove a crucial encounter in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Just three points currently separate the Blues in fifth from their rivals in fourth, with an intense race for a top-four place underway - which could become a top-five race for the Champions League.
Before then, they have a tough run of fixtures that could be make-or-break for Rosenior in those attempts to qualify for the European competition yet again. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton and Manchester City all await in their next five games, which could cause some problems.
If Chelsea are to get to the line and then over it, then they will need someone like Garnacho to step up to the plate when it matters.
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