Erik ten Hag assesses impressive Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho wants to play for Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup, according to reports. However, with the knockout stages of that tournament due to take place on the same weekend as the FA Cup final, it appears the teenager is now risking a row with Erik ten Hag. The 18-year-old hasn’t played for the Red Devils since a goalless draw with Southampton on March 12.
United have seen Garnacho miss the last five weeks through injury.
But, according to Argentine journalist Damian Villagra, that hasn’t stopped the 18-year-old from wanting to represent his country at the quickest opportunity.
Villagra tweeted: “Alejandro Garnacho's decision is to come and play the World Cup for the Argentina National Team.”
Should that happen, however, the United star would be unavailable for the FA Cup final clash with Manchester City on June 3.
And that suggests Garnacho could now be heading for a collision course with Ten Hag, with the pair already clashing earlier in the season.
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The United star was told off by his manager for missing two team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.
He also needed a lecture for his conduct around Carrington, too, with Garnacho warned after walking around the training complex with his laces untied.
And the United star also threw a tantrum when Ten Hag hooked him during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace back in February.
Ten Hag has long made it clear he wants players with 100 per cent commitment, ones who are willing to do everything to wear the club’s red and white colours.
So Garnacho jetting off for international duty, with the FA Cup final looming large, is unlikely to go down too well.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag could be set for another clash with Alejandro Garnacho (Image: GETTY)
“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 team-mates 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.
“God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure I am back stronger than ever!”
And Ten Hag, shortly after Garnacho’s injury, confirmed it was a ‘serious’ one.
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Man Utd have been forced to cope without Alejandro Garnacho ever since March (Image: GETTY)
"I can't say exactly (what the timescale is) at this moment but it will take weeks, so it's a serious injury," Ten Hag said.
He added: "Of course it's difficult. He makes great progression and he was selected by the national team.
“It was a big moment for him and he's in a really good development and you don't want to disturb that process.
"Now we have to step away from it but he will be back for the end of the season.”