Manchester United 'will not let Alejandro Garnacho play in Under-20 World Cup'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 April 2023

Man United 'will not let Garnacho play in the Under-20 World Cup'

Manchester United are not prepared to allow Alejandro Garnacho to represent Argentina Under-20s at the Under-20s World Cup, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly not prepared to allow Alejandro Garnacho to represent Argentina Under-20s at the upcoming Under-20s World Cup.

The 18-year-old has been included in his nation's squad for the tournament, which is due to begin on May 20 and run until June 11.

Should Garnacho feature in the competition, he would miss Man United's last two matches of their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth and Fulham, in addition to potentially a Europa League final and FA Cup final.

The 20-time English champions will be bidding to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League when they take on Sevilla in the second leg of their quarter-final on Thursday, with the tie level at 2-2.

Erik ten Hag's side will then face Brighton & Hove Albion in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday, and a victory could potentially set up a final against rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho receives treatment on March 12, 2023 © Reuters

Garnacho has been on the sidelines since the middle of March due to an ankle problem, missing his side's last four Premier League matches.

The youngster was also absent for the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham, in addition to their last two games in the Europa League against Real Betis and Sevilla.

Garnacho is on course to return in the near future, with the teenager posting a positive update on his recovery earlier this week.

Despite not turning 19 until July, the attacker has been a regular for Man United this season, featuring on 29 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their second goal on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

According to journalist Gaston Edul, the Red Devils are unlikely to allow Garnacho to represent Argentina at the competition, but the national side will fight hard to have him available.

"Manchester United do not want to release Alejandro Garnacho for the World Cup and they have let him know. It's unlikely they will let him go. The Argentine federation and [Javier] Mascherano (Under-20s manager) will do everything possible for him to play but it's difficult," Edul told TyC Sports.

Garnacho has featured on five occasions for Argentina Under-20s, scoring four times in the process, with his last appearances for the South Americans coming last June.

The youngster is expected to soon sign a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, with head coach Ten Hag viewing him as a vital part of his plans moving forward.

Garnacho will again miss Thursday's clash with Sevilla, and the semi-finals of the FA Cup this weekend, but he could be back before the end of the month.