You know, when a young player like Alejandro Garnacho is told he might have to leave Manchester United, it really highlights something I’ve been saying for a while.
These youngsters often get way too much too soon.
Too much praise, too much money, and way too much hype from both inside the club and from fans outside.
That kind of pressure can mess with their mindset, both as footballers and as people.
And it’s even worse at a club like Manchester United, where the spotlight is massive — sometimes before a player has even played regularly.
Garnacho isn’t alone in this. Look at Brandon Williams, who had potential but is now in serious trouble, or Marcus Rashford, who got a huge payday after just one big season and then things didn’t quite go as expected.
The Money Game: When Cash Clouds Judgement
I get it, it’s tougher than ever to stay grounded with all the money flying around in football today.
Clubs feel like they have to pay up or risk losing talent, and agents push hard on this.
Accountants and financial advisors start calling the shots, predicting market values years down the line.
But money doesn’t make someone wiser or kinder. You still need people with real-life experience around these young players.
Honestly, who is Garnacho’s brother to criticize Ruben Amorim’s team selections? And is Rashford’s circle really the best influence?
What these lads need are role models with real character — not just flashy paychecks.
At United, there should have been someone like Cristiano Ronaldo to look up to.
Ronaldo stayed after training, kept himself disciplined, and showed what it means to be dedicated. But United let him go.
Different Cultures Shape Different Players
The city and club cultures also play a big role. Manchester is a place where players can go out and still enjoy themselves even after a bad game. Liverpool is different.
There, if you have a bad day, you might not want to go out at all because fans and locals will call you out immediately.
At Liverpool, you’re never allowed to get a big head.
That was the influence of people like Ronnie Moran, who kept even captains feeling humble.
That mentality was passed down by legends like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, and it shaped players like Robbie Fowler, who despite early success, never thought he was bigger than the club.
Robbie Fowler’s Story: Talent with Humility
When I gave Robbie Fowler his first pro contract, his wages jumped a lot, and he burst onto the scene with goals.
But even then, he wasn’t allowed to become ‘big time Charlie’ walking down the street.
The staff made sure he stayed grounded.
Robbie had an instinct for the game at 16 that many older players never had.
But he also understood the importance of managing his money and future — something I helped him with by introducing a financial advisor.
Nowadays, it’s a different ballgame. Kids his age are offered ten times what Robbie got.
The stakes and rewards are massive, but so are the risks.
Cole Palmer Proves His Worth Despite Criticism
Talking about young players, Cole Palmer is one who really impressed me this season.
When he hit a rough patch, I said it was just a blip.
Nowadays, criticism comes fast and hard because of social media and the endless coverage.
But Palmer showed his class against Real Betis. He took control, showed fearlessness and skill, proving he’s got the confidence to go far.
And hey, we share a birthday, so I’m rooting for him to have an even better year next time.
Chelsea’s Surprising Success and Liam Delap’s Potential
Chelsea did better than most expected this season — making the Champions League and winning a trophy, even if it’s not the biggest one.
Now the pressure is on their manager, Enzo Maresca, to build on that success.
I’m also keeping an eye on Liam Delap. He’s been scoring for Ipswich Town, a team that’s struggled, which shows his talent.
But he needs to sharpen his finishing if he wants to succeed at the top level.
Unlike Garnacho, Delap’s loan experience in the Championship has set him on the right path, and he seems ready to grab his chance.
A Scary Moment at the Liverpool Parade
On a more personal note, I was deeply upset by the scenes that spoiled what should have been a joyous day for Liverpool fans.
Big gatherings these days carry risks — not just football events, but concerts, markets, and parades.
I was watching the events unfold on my phone and my heart dropped when my son, who was at the parade, didn’t answer my call right away.
That moment of panic every parent knows lasted until he told me he was safe — he’d just walked past the trouble minutes before it happened.
It’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable large crowds can be.
Mohamed Salah Deserves All the Praise This Season
When it comes to my Player of the Year, Mohamed Salah stands out by a mile.
It’s tough to think of anyone else after he won the Golden Boot, the Playmaker award for most assists, and a Premier League winner’s medal.
Scoring goals is the hardest part of football, and Salah reaching 34 goals across all competitions for the fifth time since joining Liverpool shows incredible consistency and class.
Early in the season, I said Liverpool’s biggest job was locking down Salah and Virgil van Dijk with new contracts.
Now that’s done, and with more signings coming in, Liverpool’s future is looking very promising.