Javier Mascherano is as excited by Alejandro Garnacho as everyone else - according to former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.
Garnacho, 18, scored five goals and provided the same number of assists for United last season in a campaign restricted to 33 appearances by an ankle injury. The teenager - who signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford last month - is a favourite among the fan base due to his clear individual talent.
And that appreciation is shared by ex-Argentina and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano. Now the manager of his country's under-20 side, Mascherano has been speaking to Veron about United's number 49. Veron hopes to see Garnacho adopt the right attitude and continue to go from strength-to-strength in United colours.
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"I spoke to Javier Mascherano and he fully expects Garnacho to become a star,’ said Veron. "Playing for Manchester United at that age is not easy, but I think he has to have patience. He needs to work really hard, because he has the chance to become a regular player for a really big club.
"I really trust Mascherano’s words, so for him to say he is the best young talent in Argentina is a really big compliment. It just shows his undoubted quality and he is someone who I am sure has a big future."
Veron and Mascherano, judging by Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni's comments, could soon see Garnacho shining on the international scene. Scaloni believes the United man is ready to be given an opportunity to prove himself in the famous blue and white kit.
"The idea is for Garnacho to play," said Scaloni, last week. "To enjoy the minutes and to see how he does with his team mates. The expectation is to see these guys, who are coming for the first time. Give them time, minutes.
"And that they gradually join those who were already there. In principle, the idea is that (Garnacho) comes and joins the team. We will analyse if he will play from the start or have minutes."
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