Teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho has revealed his pride at being named Manchester United's Player of the Month for November.
The 18-year-old winger is enjoying a breakthrough season at Old Trafford after scoring winners against Real Sociedad in the Europa League and Fulham in the Premier League. He is reportedly set to have his wages multiplied tenfold with a new long-term contract.
Despite his impressive form, Garnacho was left out of Argentina's World Cup squad for the ongoing tournament in Qatar. He liked a social media post criticising his omission and may feel further aggrieved after Argentina's shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
"It's an honour for me being able to be named Player of the Month for the last month, which has been a fantastic one for me," Garnacho told United's website. "I'm very happy and now the main thing is, apart from individual awards, to also win prizes as a group."
Garnacho is building a reputation as a fiery character and hit the headlines earlier this month when he liked a controversial post on Twitter which suggested he wasn't selected by Argentina because he's Spanish. He was born in Madrid but represents Argentina.
Argentina youth coach Javier Mascherano, who played for Liverpool, has dismissed that view. "The first time [Argentina manager Lionel] Scaloni brought him in March, and then when we went to Toulon, he behaved spectacularly," said Mascherano.
Do you think Alejandro Garnacho should've been included in Argentina's squad for the World Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
"Garnacho is a respectful boy. He formed a very nice bond with the boys who play in Argentina even though he didn’t really know them.
"I really don't know why they say what they say, but with us he had a behaviour and predisposition that was 10 out of 10. Obviously Garnacho is a great player. There is a reason he is playing for Manchester United for a reason at the age of 18."
Although Garnacho will play no part in Argentina's World Cup campaign, he is set to have a big impact on the rest of United's season. The club's reigning Young Player of the Year has called his winner against Sociedad the "sweetest" moment of his life.
"I think I’d have to say it’s the sweetest moment of my life so far really," added Garnacho. "My first goal as a full professional. My family and my friends and everyone were there to see me, and it was a really good goal. And I was very happy and proud of being able to get on the scoresheet wearing this shirt."
On his Player of the Month gong, Garnacho said: "Right from the moment I arrived here, all the fans have accepted me really well. They have always got behind us, in the junior sides and now I’ve made it to here [the first team]. They’ve aways supported us at every moment. So I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me to win this award."
United have friendlies againtst Cadiz and Real Betis scheduled before their season resumes with an EFL Cup tie against Championship side Burnley on December 21. Their first Premier League game after the World Cup is against Nottingham Forest on December 27.
