17 March 2023 , 10:08
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Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho received phone calls from the Spanish national team in a last-ditch attempt to make him switch his allegiances from Argentina.
Garnacho has made 15 appearances in the Premier League this season for United and four of those have been starts. He has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Erik ten Hag’s squad and looks set for a massive future at the top level – although his contract at United is into the final 15 months.
Mirror Football exclusively reported last month that United chiefs had stepped up their efforts to reach an agreement with the youngster's representatives. It comes as clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are monitoring his contractual situation.
Garnacho, 18, was born in Spain, whilst his mother is Argentinian, making him eligible for both countries. He has represented Spain at under-18 level and Argentina's under-20 side and earned his first senior call-up for the South American nation in 2022.
He didn't play during that training camp, though, and was left out of Lionel Scaloni's World Cup-winning squad. However, despite Spain retaining hope of talking him into a U-turn, the teenager has made Scaloni's latest squad in what looks like a clear message over his future.
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But Garnacho sustained an injury in Sunday's stalemate with Southampton and the layoff is worse than initially feared. He could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a result of the incident and was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
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According to TYC Sports, Garnacho was sent for tests on the issue and it appears as though the youngster's injury is worse than first feared. The report doesn't outline any sort of timeframe but it does note that Garnacho is now expected to miss out on Argentina's upcoming international fixtures.
That will ensure he still is not tied down to the nation and a switch back to Spain is a possibility for the Madrid-born forward, who joined United from Atletico Madrid three years ago. Bernardo Romeo, coordinator of the Argentine national youth teams, has spoken of Spain’s attempts to win his loyalty.
Garnacho has been the breakout star of Manchester United's season (Getty Images)"Garnacho is totally convinced of playing for the Argentine National Team," Romeo said on DSports Radio, adding: "You enter his house and you see all the photos with Messi!"
He added that Spain had, unsuccessfully, attempted to change the forward’s mind: "The manager of the Spanish teams had called him, but he was very clear, he answered him out of respect, but he has decided to play for Argentina."
Despite his failure to make the world champion's World Cup squad, Garnacho has enjoyed a breakthrough season at club level. He has clocked up 29 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists and established himself as a firm fans favourite.