Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho is expected to be given a new contract after impressing Erik ten Hag during pre-season. The 18-year-old earned his debut in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano, demonstrating his ability but failing to score or assist.
The news comes from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who is extremely credible despite social media fanboys accusing him of being a ‘tap-in merchant.’ I suppose the youngsters need new heroes in their fantasy world, which appears to develop an obsession every summer and winter.
Garnacho, 18, was one of the standout performers in United’s final pre-season match of the summer, which should really have seen more of the young Argentinian U20 international. He was born in Madrid, Spain, and has represented the U18 there but was called up for Argentina’s U20 side earlier in the year.
The Sun previously reported that the United academy forward has already wowed Ten Hag since he arrived this summer and he would like to get the player tied down to a long-term contract to stop other clubs from trying to sign him as a free agent, which could happen in the summer of 2023 when his current contract expires.
It is already suggested that both Real Madrid and Juventus have some interest in the player and it would be a big mistake for United to bring the player to Manchester, which they did in October 2020 signing him from Atlético Madrid for a £420,000 transfer fee, only to see him leave three years later as a free agent.
Based on his performance in the final pre-season encounter of the summer, Garnacho could be rewarded with first-team opportunities this season, playing in the Carabao Cup, which begins in early November, and maybe the UEFA Europa League, which begins next month.
Garnacho played 11 minutes in the Premier League last season, adding to his 32 appearances at the youth level when he scored 14 goals and assisted on six occasions. Last season, he scored two goals in the FA Youth Cup final to help United defeat Nottingham Forest.
Last season, the 18-year-old scored eight goals and assisted three more in the FA Youth Cup, scoring in every match save the 3-1 triumph over Reading, which he assisted in. Propelling him into a first-team situation would benefit the young forward and allow him to hone his skills.
Garnacho also scored four goals and one assist in five games for Argentina’s U20 team this season after switching from Spain, demonstrating that he has the potential to become a star at some time in his career. He’ll be able to do so if he plays regular football this season.
