Man Utd 'refuse to release' Alejandro Garnacho for U20 World Cup in Argentina

Manchester United are on course for a dispute with Argentina over Alejandro Garnacho, with the Premier League club unwilling to allow him to go on international duty next month.

It's a big week for United's treble hopes. Having already claimed the Carabao Cup this season, the club's first silverware of any kind in six years, United take on Sevilla in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night, with the scores currently level at 2-2 after the first leg at Old Trafford.

Then on Sunday, United go toe-to-toe with Brighton in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Should they make either final, winger Garnacho could be absent from proceedings to play for his national team.

Garnacho to play for Argentina?

Argentina have named the United teenager in their preliminary squad for the upcoming U20 World Cup, which will be hosted by the South American nation.

Argentina's youngsters will be hoping for the same success as the senior team, who were crowned world champions for a third time at Qatar 2022.

While Garnacho narrowly missed out on a senior call-up for last November's World Cup, he will likely be one of the stars of the U20 side for the home tournament - which runs from May 20 to June 11.

However, United are attempting to block the 18-year-old from taking part in the tournament, according to prominent Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul.

In a tweet translated from Spanish, Edul said: "Manchester United does not want to give up Alejandro Garnacho for the World Cup and they have already communicated it.

"It is difficult for them to leave. AFA and [U20 boss Javier] Mascherano are going to do everything possible to keep him there but it is complicated."

The start of the U20 World Cup overlaps with the end of the Premier League season, which finishes on May 28.

United could be in competitive action beyond that date if they progress to the finals of the Europa League (May 31) and FA Cup (June 3).

It is not yet clear if Garnacho would be able to take part in the tournament, even if given permission by United, with the winger currently sidelined with an ankle injury which has kept him out since March 12.