Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame at Manchester United this season and the battle for his international allegiances show just how far he has come.
Garnacho has exploded onto the scene for United this season, chipping in with four goals and five assists in 29 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side. The 18-year-old winger has provided United with an exciting new attacking option, with his pace able to stretch the game.
He was born in Madrid but qualifies for Argentina through his mother. Both countries have understandably been keen to secure the services of one of the most exciting young players in the world.
Despite Garnacho turning out for Argentina’s under-20s and being included in the training squad ahead of the World Cup last year, Spain have not given up hope. The country’s FA have repeatedly tried to change his mind, putting in phone calls recently to try and influence his decision.
Garnacho was called up for Argentina’s squad for upcoming matches against Panama and Curacao, but was forced to withdraw through injury. He was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches after United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton and is expected to be sidelined for some time.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was disappointed by the injury, but remains sure that Garnacho will play for the country soon. “We have high hopes for Garnacho and we hope that he can put on our jersey later,” he said at a press conference.
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“Unfortunately he will not come due to injury but we are confident that he can be there in June, he is a boy in whom we have high hopes.”
Spain still retain hope of talking him into a U-turn, but that seems increasingly unlikely with every day that passes. Garnacho did play for Spain under-18s in the past but more recently has scored four goals in five games for Argentina U20s.
While confirming his injury on Instagram recently, he outlined what an Argentina debut would mean to him and his family. "It is difficult to put into words how I'm feeling right now,” he wrote.
"Unfortunately I will not be able to help my team and team-mates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United.
"I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my teammates of the Argentinian national team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family. This is part of football and our profession, however, I am already focused in my recovery."
Garnacho’s United team-mate Lisandro Martinez has vowed to make sure he pays for Argentina. Earlier this month he said: “[Garnacho] is with me here, forget about it. I'll make sure [he plays for Argentina]. The only way is to go there with me."
Argentina’s director of international scouting Juan Martin Tassi is similarly confident. “We have a fluid dialogue with Garnacho and his family,” he told Ole. “It's not something of a moment, but something that developed over time. He is very happy to be taken into account by the Argentine national team.”
