Alejandro Garnacho 's agent has hit out a the Spanish Football Federation after the Manchester United winger opted to switch his international allegiance to Argentina earlier this year.
Garnacho, 18, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Old Trafford and was rewarded with a new long-term contract earlier this month. The talented teenager's form at club level also saw him earn a call-up to the Argentina national team back in March, however, an injury sustained against Southampton robbed him of the opportunity to make his senior bow.
Prior to Garnacho's Argentina call-up, he had represented Spain at youth level on three occasions and is eligible to represent either nation.
Garnacho's agent, Enrique de Lucas, has insisted that his client has made up his mind over his international future. And the former Chelsea player made it clear that the Spanish Football Federation only have themselves to blame now that Garnacho has decided to move forward with Argentina.
He told Ole : “I think that Spain is a closed issue and there is no hiding it. Very bad management by the Spanish Federation, I don’t know who, or I can guess who, but very bad management or very bad politics. And I think Garna is not going to be the only case in which a player with dual nationality could lose, I honestly tell you.
“And he decides to go with Argentina because he really feels it. For him it has not been a trauma at all, quite the contrary. When that possibility opens up for him, imagine, being able to play with a team like Argentina, all his maternal family, his grandparents, he has felt them since he was littleand for him it’s not a problem, it’s a blessing.”
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Garnacho's big international decision has played out in the background of his domestic campaign with Manchester United. The winger made a goalscoring return to action in the 2-0 win over Wolves last weekend after a spell on the sidelines.
Garnacho has now chalked up three goals and two assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Manchester United this season.
The majority of those returns have come from the bench, but Erik ten Hag has challenged the youngster to go one better next season and establish himself as a bonafide starter.
Ten Hag said of Garnacho: “Garna, everyone can see it. He came in and did almost everything good, and scored a great goal that will give him belief. It’s good for us for the rest of the season, that he’s back, and can have an impact.
“One of the aspects of the biggest talent is that they are mature. First, they take responsibility then second, they are mature to bring in the skills and have belief that they can dominate opponents.
“Once again, he did it. He has had a big impact in many games: whether starting or coming on, he’s straight into the game and that’s so important for the squad.
“I’m happy we can bring in young players and, hopefully, he will progress so quickly that he can compete for a starting XI position because that is his next challenge.”
