Alejandro Garnacho has played only 31 competitive minutes for Aston Villa since his summer move. The forward's chance to make an impression could come in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie at Coventry City, with his long-term future at the club potentially on the line.

His loan from Manchester United includes a clause that will trigger a £43 million permanent transfer next summer if certain performance targets are met. Villa sit 19th in the Premier League with just one point from four games, adding urgency to finding solutions across the squad. Unai Emery is expected to rotate his selection for the cup match, offering Garnacho a likely starting berth.

Emery's demanding system

Villa captain John McGinn outlined the challenge for new signings. "It’s a demanding style and very unique system," McGinn said. "A lot of work in the classroom. It does take time."

Emery has been publicly supportive but clear about the standards required. "His attitude is positive. That is very important," the manager stated. "Now he needs time, and hard work every day, which is showing in his attitude."

The manager pointed to a pre-season facial injury and the need for Garnacho to reach full fitness as factors in his slow start. Garnacho was also omitted from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup in mid-August, a sign he was not yet considered ready for a high-stakes occasion.

Competition for places

Other new arrivals have settled more quickly. Nicolas Jackson, Zion Suzuki and Joao Gomes have already earned Emery's trust, while youth product George Hemmings has started every game so far. Further summer signings like Ibrahim Mbaye and Matteo Ruggeri are also waiting for their opportunities.

The situation has parallels with Harvey Elliott's loan from Liverpool last season. That deal included a £35 million option if he made ten appearances, but he was used only nine times before Emery decided against keeping him. Villa still paid a significant portion of his wages during that spell.

With the team struggling near the foot of the table, every selection carries weight. Alysson scored Villa's first league goal of the season in the recent 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Key players like Pau Torres and Leon Goretzka are currently sidelined, increasing the need for others to step up.

Garnacho's best years came at Manchester United between 2023 and 2025, where he contributed 20 goals and 17 assists. Emery's challenge is to help him rediscover that form within Villa's specific tactical framework. "We want to see him at the same level he was at in the first part of the season last year at Chelsea, and before that at Manchester United," Emery stressed.

The immediate focus is Coventry, but the bigger picture is a Premier League trip to face 17th-placed Tottenham this weekend. Villa's fixtures show a tough run ahead, making any cup progress a welcome boost. Garnacho's performance at the Coventry Building Society Arena could define the next phase of his Villa career.

This story first appeared at Daily Mail Sport