Man Utd set for 'crunch talks' over Alejandro Garnacho

Stuart Telford

• 21 Apr 2023 19:02 BST
• 3 min read

Alejandro Garnacho is at the centre of a club vs. country row between Manchester United and Argentina, whose under-20 team are managed by former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano.

Garnacho has been called up to Argentina's squad for the U20 World Cup which begins on 20 May, meaning he would miss some of the domestic season run-in with United - something his employers are keen to avoid.

Garnacho has been a revelation under Erik ten Hag this season, contributing five goals and six assists at the tender age of 18 before an ankle injury disrupted his progress last month.

READ: EXCLUSIVE: Alejandro Garnacho contract extension signed with Man Utd pending final details

The U20 World Cup will be hosted in Argentina, and their manager, former Liverpool and Barcelona defensive midfielder Mascherano, is keen to have Garnacho involved.

Mascherano Manchester-bound

"Mascherano is due to travel to Manchester on Monday, when he is expected to hold talks with United in an effort to secure the release of Garnacho," report the Telegraph. "The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder also seems likely to meet with other clubs during his visit."

But with the tournament starting so soon, Garnacho, who has four goals in five appearances at under-20 level with Argentina, would miss Premier League meetings with Bournemouth and Fulham at the conclusion of the campaign.

READ: Why Spain want to stop Bajcetic becoming the next Garnacho

Garnacho hasn't played since last month's goalless draw with Southampton, but he posted an image of himself back in his football boots to social media earlier this week.

Garnacho remains eligible to play for Spain, having been born in Madrid to an Argentinian mother, although both nations missed the chance to cap tie him for the winter World Cup in Qatar.

Garnacho's FootballTransfers value has skyrocketed from €300,000 to €9.1 million since the start of the season, and United are set to tie him down to a new five-year contract - provided player and club can agree image rights.