Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho lit up the FA Youth Cup semi-finals this week with an impressive goal against Wolves.
Garnacho’s goal came between two from Charlie McNeill, and was his fifth in the tournament to date. He was dubbed a ‘full-back’s nightmare’ for his unpredictable play, and the wide variety of goals he scores.
Garnacho has vowed to win the final for United, which will be played at Old Trafford against Chelsea or Nottingham Forest.
The backdrop to Garnacho’s week has been his call up into Argentina’s preliminary World Cup squad. Garnacho had been a Spain under-18s international, but qualifies for Argentina through his parents.
The press in Argentina took great interest in learning all about United’s new talent when he was called up this week, and this continued after his semi-final goal.
Garnacho winning new fans
Argentine outlet TyC Sports hailed Garnacho’s ‘tremendous goal’, praising his ‘exquisite’ technique.
Bola VIP remarked ‘he’s on fire’, praising his ‘great goal’. He outlet also noted Garnacho hopes to reach the first team ‘in a short time’.
‘For you Scaloni’, remarked newspaper Ole, suggesting Garnacho’s goal will have impressed the Argentine international boss.
TNT Sports noted Garnacho has 6 goals in his last 10 appearances and showed why he has been called up with his goal.
The real excitement came with an image Garnacho posted after the game, alongside teammates Charlie McNeill and Marc Jurado. Garnacho included an Argentine flag above his head.
Garnacho has not publicly expressed a declaration with any words over whether he will choose Argentina or hold on for Spain, but his Instagram post above appeared to be a pretty clear signal.
Bola VIP added: “In addition, he deleted all the photos that related him to the team from his native country and even already recognises himself as Argentine in Instagram stories.”
Garnacho could have another big game on Saturday, with United’s under-18s side taking on Liverpool.
There could be some rotation, with the team making nine changes against City last weekend in a defeat with Garnacho not among the starters. But if he wants to keep up the momentum, making an impact against the team’s rivals is the perfect way to keep on drawing attention.