There are reportedly growing fears in Argentina that Alejandro Garnacho could turn down a future with their national team after the Manchester United starlet was denied a late spot at the World Cup.
The Albiceleste are yet to give the 18-year-old his debut but clearly rate his talents, naming him in their preliminary 55-man squad for Qatar after calling him up to train with the senior side earlier in the year.
However, after the news that Joaquin Correa and Nico Gonzalez would pull out of the World Cup through injury, Garnacho was not selected as a replacement.
Instead, amid online clamour for the United starlet, the places went to Angel Correa of Atletico Madrid and Atlanta United’s 21-year-old midfielder Thiago Almada.
Garnacho has represented both Spain and Argentina’s youth teams, and he is eligible to play for both having been born in Madrid to an Argentine mother.
There is still time for the winger to switch nationalities with the matter likely to gain further attention after his recent breakout performances for United.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Garnacho’s account ‘liked’ a comment on Twitter last night claiming he was turned down by the Albiceleste due to his Spanish heritage. A screenshot shows the tweet as ‘liked’ before it was withdrawn, with it unclear whether the player or a representative was operating the account at the time.
