Alejandro Garnacho reportedly wants to represent Argentina at the U20 World Cup in May, even if it means missing Manchester United’s FA Cup final.
It was made known that United had reservations about allowing Garnacho to travel for the competition, which begins on May 20 at home.
This is because of their crucial stretch of league games to clinch Champions League eligibility and, perhaps more importantly, an FA Cup final date against Manchester City on June 3 to prevent their rivals from winning the treble.
Javier Mascherano, the head coach of the Albiceleste and a former Liverpool player, traveled to Manchester on Friday to persuade the winger to sign with the national team.
It seems that the discussions went well because Garnacho texted Mascherano as follows, according to the Argentine publication Doble Amarilla: “I need to write my own story with the Argentina shirt. I ask you to please let me go.”
The 18-year-old winger will reiterate those demands prior to Thursday’s match against Tottenham in an effort to secure a seat on the plane, despite Ten Hag’s hesitation to release a player who is only recently recovering from an ankle injury.
Argentina has had less success elsewhere. Mascherano is considering Facundo Buonanotte of Brighton for this summer’s tournament, but it’s believed that Roberto De Zerbi and his coaching staff are even more determined to hold onto their midfielder.
The Seagulls’ sole focus will be on securing a first-ever European spot after being eliminated from the FA Cup by United. Given that they still have nine league games left this season, a fully stocked squad will be necessary.
Mascherano’s 21-man Argentina squad will be publicly revealed on May 8, and it’s believed that he wants a firm response by that date.
Should Erik ten Hag allow Alejandro Garnacho to miss the FA Cup final for the FIFA U20 World Cup with Argentina.
Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.
