Javier Mascherano has defended Alejandro Garnacho after it was claimed he did not make Argentina's World Cup squad because of his attitude.
Although Garnacho has been in excellent form for United, his performances came too late to make the Argentina squad for Qatar. The youngster was named in his nation's preliminary 55-man squad but he failed to make the final 26-man squad.
There was also late hope for Garnacho to make the Argentina squad, with Joaquin Correa and Nico Gonzalez forced to withdraw through injury on Thursday, but the United academy graduate was not selected as a replacement for either player.
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It's since been suggested that Garnacho's attitude was the reason why he wasn't called up. Erik ten Hag and Bruno Fernandes both recently discussed Garnach's attitude, explaining that it has significantly improved this season, and former Liverpool player Mascherano is the latest to defend the youngster's professionalism.
"The first time [Lionel] Scaloni brought him in March, and then when we went to Toulon, he behaved spectacularly," Mascherano said.
"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 at the age of 18.”
United are in talks with Garnacho over a new contract and they are comfortable about the situation.
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