What Man United star Alejandro Garnacho has told Erik ten Hag about missing FA Cup final for Argentina

Details of Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho's conversation with Erik ten Hag about wanting to miss the FA Cup final in order to go to the Under-20 World Cup with Argentina have emerged.

The 18-year-old wonderkid has returned to training after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered against Southampton in early March.

But it's looking increasingly unlikely that the winger will feature for United again this season despite being "back with the boots" and on the way to full fitness.

Garnacho is desperate to turn out for Argentina, who are hosting the 2023 tournament between 20 May and 11 June.

Argentina are in Group A alongside Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand and have named Garnacho in their preliminary squad for the tournament.

However, if he is picked in the final squad, it means Garnacho will not be available for United's final three Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham, as well as the huge FA Cup final with rivals Manchester City on 3 June.

Garnacho came off the bench to assist Marcus Rashford's winner in his derby debut in January but widespread reports claim he is choosing country over club.

It had been reported that United were unwilling to allow him to represent Argentina but appear powerless. Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano is the Argentina U20 boss and met with Garnacho, as well as United figures, on Friday.

According to Doble Amarilla, Garnacho told Ten Hag: "I need to write my own story with the Argentina shirt. I ask you to please let me go."

United are said to be a little more receptive towards the idea of Garnacho playing in the tournament following talks, with the former Atletico Madrid star set to reiterate his desire ahead of the huge game with Spurs this Thursday.

Mascherano's 21-man squad will be released on May 8, but he still faces a fight to ensure Brighton's Facundo Buonanotte and Real Madrid's Nicolas Paz are selected.

Garnach, who played for the Spanish national team at Under 18 level, is yet to make his full Argentina debut but was called up by Lionel Scaloni in March prior to his injury.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, FA Cup, Manchester City, Erik Ten Hag, Argentina

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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