Manchester United could unleash a second Antony in Sheriff Europa League clash
MANCHESTER UNITED signed Antony back in the summer transfer window - and he'll be part of the squad for Thursday night's Europa League showdown with Sheriff.
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Manchester United already have one South American hotshot in Antony. And, in Alejandro Garnacho, they also have another. The Argentina international has been named in the club’s travelling squad for Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Sheriff and, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both missing, will be hopeful of securing a starting spot.
Manchester United have won their last four matches in the Premier League, bouncing back after some dire early season performances against Brighton and Brentford.
Yet the Red Devils were given a reality check against Real Sociedad last week, losing 1-0 courtesy of a penalty from Brais Mendez.
United need to beat Sheriff on Thursday night to boost their chances of making the Europa League knockout stages, especially given their desire to win a first trophy since 2017.
And with Rashford and Martial both sidelined, Garnacho has been included in the travelling group.
In recent years, United have had several academy graduates breaking into the first team and getting pulses racing in the process.
From Rashford to Adnan Januzaj, Brandon Williams to Charle McNeill, there has never been a shortage of talent coming off the production line.
Manchester United star Antony will be hoping to start in Sheriff Europa League clash (Image: GETTY)
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But Garnacho is the latest teenage talent to be tipped for a bright future, having already proven he can excel at youth level.
The 18-year-old impressed at the end of last season as the club won the FA Youth Cup, netting twice in a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
That earned him praise from coach Travis Binnion, who said after the game: “That boy could be in any stadium in the world and he wouldn't care.
“That's his make-up. A few of them are like that and that's why they are going to have good careers.
“This football club is remarkable at that, it's the best in the world at that.
“We have to keep that going, we have a responsibility to keep that going - the pipeline. It's nice to give the fans a bit of something because they're different class.”
Garnacho was initially earmarked as a superstar in the making by Atletico Madrid, only for United to then land the teenager two years ago.
He was given his debut by Ralf Rangnick in a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea towards the end of last season.
And while he’s been limited to substitute appearances against Brighton and Real Sociedad, the United star did catch the eye in the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano during pre-season.
The Argentine was the best player on the pitch that day, meaning his absence so far this season is rather perplexing.
So good is Garnacho there have been murmurings he could be included in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.