Man Utd star named in international squad for first time after Ten Hag faith

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has been named in the Argentina senior squad for the first time ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Lionel Scaloni's side will face Panama and Curacao in friendly matches during the upcoming international break, and Garnacho could be set for his first taste of action at senior international level.

The 19-year-old was born in Madrid and played for Spain at youth level.

However, he is also eligible for Argentina through his mother, and featured for the U20 side last year. He did, however, miss out on selection for the World Cup squad.

United boss Erik ten Hag has placed his trust in Garnacho this season, and the Argentinian has responded with increasingly impressive performances over the course of the campaign.

He scored in Wednesday's 3-1 FA Cup fifth round win over West Ham - one of four occasions he has found the net in all competitions this season.

Speaking before the match, Ten Hag stated (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "I said to him before the game, 'It's time. You have an impact when you come on but now you have to have an impact as a starter'.

"And I think he is capable of it, so that is the next step he has to make.

"It is a great skill when you're fearless, when you're brave. I don't think that it's a skill that is so specific, there are not so many players in world football who can take players on, who can just out-dribble them, and that skill he has."

Now, Garnacho has been rewarded with an Argentina call-up.

Man Utd star named in Argentina star

Garnacho has been included in Scaloni's 35-man squad for the nation's upcoming friendlies - their first taste of action since winning the World Cup in December.

New Manchester City starlet Maximo Perrone has also been included, along with Brighton youngster Facundo Buonanotte and Inter Milan's Valentin Carboni.

Alejandro Garnacho makes Argentina national team list for the first time. It also includes Nehuen Pérez, Lautaro Blanco, Máximo Perrone, Buonanotte, Buendía and Valentín Carboni. ✨🇦🇷 #Argentina

Full list by Lionel Scaloni ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/9ZblzGoPhf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 3, 2023

Garnacho's United team-mate Lisandro Martinez is also named in the squad, after being part of the World Cup-winning contingent.

Other Premier League representation in the squad comes from Tottenham's Cristian Romero, Aston Villa duo Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.

Argentina take on Panama on March 23, with the Curacao fixture taking place on March 28.