Alejandro Garnacho has signed a new five-year contract at Manchester United after the club was accused of blocking him from playing at the Under-20 World Cup with Argentina.
The Argentine star has been in negotiations over a new deal since inspiring last season’s FA Youth Cup triumph.
Garnacho, who moved to United from Atletico Madrid, said: ‘When I joined this incredible club, I dreamt of achieving my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal, and winning trophies with this badge on my chest.
‘I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way. We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions.
‘The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful. I am relishing the future and can’t wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters.’
Garnacho is enjoying a breakthrough season having scored five goals and made six assists in his 31 appearances before suffering ankle ligament damage against Southampton last month. He returned to training on Friday before the news was announced.
United’s football director John Murtough said: ‘Alejandro has really dedicated himself to achieving the objectives that the club set out for him since he arrived in Manchester.
‘His talent, drive, and determination to succeed saw him quickly progress from our academy into the first team, and this new long-term contract reflects our confidence in him to continue his exciting development under the guidance of Erik and his staff.
‘Alejandro has huge potential, and we are all looking forward to working with him to ensure he can fulfill his ambitions here at Manchester United in the coming years.’
The news of Garnacho’s new deal comes after Erik ten Hag confirmed that United have blocked him from playing for Argentina in the Under-20 World Cup next month.
It’s understood that the teenage winger has made a personal plea to Ten Hag to let him go, even though it could mean him potentially missing the Premier League games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham as well as the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on June 3.
Argentina youth team coach Javier Mascherano has also met with United officials in an attempt to secure Garnacho’s release.
However, Ten Hag was adamant about the situation when he was asked about it after United’s draw with Tottenham on Thursday night.
‘No, we don’t release him,’ replied the United manager.
