Erik Ten Hag Wants To Fast Track The Career Of Alejandro Garnacho And Has A Plan
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is already a fan of Alejandro Garnacho and wants to 'fast track' him to the first-team.
The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the club's top prospects and he's caught the eye of ten Hag thanks to his performances in the FA Youth Cup.
Per the Mirror, ten Hag was set up with an MUTV subscription so he could watch last month's FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest.
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It's said ten Hag wanted to watch all the players, but mainly focused on winger Garnacho as he believes he can break into the first team sooner rather than later.
Garnacho ended up scoring two goals in the 3-1 victory and celebrated with a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque 'siu' in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
The Argentina youth international has already been called up to his country's senior side to prevent him playing for Spain, the nation of his birth.
Former United manager Ralf Rangnick gave Garnacho his first-team debut in a 1-1 against Chelsea towards the end of last season and he received a huge reception from supporters.
Garnacho played for Argentina U20s at the Maurice Revello Tournament and he scored four goals in as many games.
He won the Revelation of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament awards, with the latter being awarded for his solo goal against Japan.
United are keen to tie Garnacho down to a new contract and are prioritising a six-year deal.
Former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is currently manager of Argentina U20s and recently spoke fondly of Garnacho.
"Alejandro is a great player with a lot of potential for growing," Mascherano stated. "It is clear that by playing in the club he plays for, and above all the importance his club gives him for the future, it is up to him to show what he is capable of."
Last season saw Marcus Rashford's form dip and Jadon Sancho failed to hit the ground running after a big money move from Borussia Dortmund.
That allowed Anthony Elanga to break into the first-team and he became a favourite under Rangnick.
Could Garnacho be the next academy graduate to make the step up? Watch this space.
United return to action against Brighton on August 7.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Alejandro Garnacho
Daniel Marland