MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a battle to keep a hold of Alejandro Garnacho for their season run-in.
This is because Argentina have called him up for the Under 20 World Cup.
Garnacho has been named in his nation’s squad to take part in the tournament despite its schedule clashing with Man Utd’s season run-in.
The competition is set to commence on May 20, meaning Garnacho would miss the final two Premier League games of the season and the finals of the FA Cup and Europa League should they make them.
According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, United “do not want to give up” the winger for their last few games of the season.
Meanwhile, he reports the Argentine Federation and Under 20 coach Javier Mascherano are doing “everything possible” to include Garnacho in the squad.
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Argentina had originally failed to qualify for the tournament, but after Fifa stripped Indonesia of hosting rights due to their opposition to Israel’s participation, the South Americans have stepped in to host.
Fifa rules on this club vs country matter state: “Clubs are obliged to release their registered players to the representative teams of the country for which the player is eligible to play on the basis of his
nationality if they are called up by the association concerned.
“Any agreement between a player and a club to the contrary is prohibited.”
However, outside of specified international windows, it is not compulsory for a club to release a player.
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Reacting to the news, some United fans were left worried about their chances for the rest of the season, with one saying: “We want him for the finals noooo (if we reach it of course lol)”
A second said: “Hope he don’t go.”
A third typed: “If we had more depth he could go but we are at a crucial stage of the season and Garnacho is important to us specifically since we don’t have that much depth!”
Garnacho hinted he was nearing a return to action after posting a photo of himself wearing pink boots.
The 18-year-old has scored four goals and added five assists since breaking into the United first team this season.
Garancho has also made four appearances for the Argentine U20 side, with Barcelona legend Mascherano giving him high praise.
Speaking about the teen last June, Mascherano said: “Alejandro is a great player, with a lot of potential to continue growing.
“It is clear that by playing in the club he plays for, and above all the importance his club gives him for the future, will depend on him for what he is capable of.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
