Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that it could be 'the wrong step' for Alejandro Garnacho to travel to the World Cup with the Argentina squad.
The 18-year-old has been regularly involved for the Red Devils in recent weeks, starting their last two Europa League matches, scoring his first senior goal for the club against Real Sociedad earlier this month.
Garnacho also started against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, before impressing off the bench in Thursday's 4-2 victory over Unai Emery's side in the third round of the EFL Cup.
There have been suggestions that the forward has an outside chance of being named in the Argentina squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
However, Ten Hag has said that it might not be beneficial for the youngster to be involved in the major tournament at this stage of his development.
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"It's difficult to say," Ten Hag told reporters when asked about the World Cup. "I don't know all the available Argentina players, of course I know a lot of players from Argentina, what is available for them from 26.
"And the other thing is it's a big step to go to a World Cup, where the best players in the world come together, it's a big step. I don't know if that's the right step for him. I think he has to keep his head clean, stay calm, work hard and develop, I think go from game to game."
Ten Hag was keen to pay tribute to his performance against Villa, though, with the Argentine causing Emery's side a number of problems with his direct running in the second period.
"I think it was good that also when he came on that he showed performance that he has an impact in the game. Quite clear, with two assists, some good dribbles, runs behind, but also some things he has to improve. For instance, when we go for the long ball, don't go for the header with Scott McTominay, go for the second ball," he added.
"So he still has things to learn but it's quite obvious we are really happy with his development, with his performance tonight and he can contribute to this team.
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"Can he have a regular role? Depends on how his approach, how his attitude, when he keeps working, keeps this attitude, then it's possible. That he keeps the attitude he wants to improve every day and he's doing the right things in his lifestyle, then it's possible.
"As you can see, he has capabilities that contribute to attacking football, he has something he can break open a really compact defending line. I think all teams who want to attack want to play in an opponent's half, they need players like them, he can outplay them.
"And also, in the final decisions, he can do the right things. Once again, it depends on how his attitude, can he also do the defending stuff, the discipline, when he can do that, it's possible."
Garnacho has now represented Man United's first team on nine occasions, scoring once and providing two assists.
The teenager will be looking to continue his first-team involvement against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, which represents the team's final game before the season breaks for the World Cup.
Matt Law
