Manchester United are reportedly in contract talks with Alejandro Garnacho, with the teenager attracting interest from Serie A, though the club are not in any rush over a new deal
The Argentine youngster made his senior debut for United last season under Ralf Rangnick, making appearances from the bench against Chelsea and Crystal Palace. New manager Erik ten Hag opted to keep the 18-year-old around the first-team squad rather than sending him out on loan, and handed him a first start in the 3-0 Europa League victory over FC Sheriff.
Garnacho is under contract at Old Trafford until 2025, so there is no huge urgency over a new contract. However, with Juventus sniffing around, the Premier League side are very aware of the situation facing one of their young stars.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are "comfortable" when it comes to Garnacho's future. In addition to featuring several times for the first team, he has represented the Under-21 side in the Papa John's Trophy, scoring in a win at Barrow.
While Juventus are said to be keen, the Bianconeri have found things tough this season. Former United men Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria have both suffered injuries, and defeat away to Benfica confirmed the Serie A side's Champions League elimination with a game to spare.
Garnacho could yet find himself up against the Turin side in the new year. He played 79 minutes against Sheriff last time out, his longest run-out yet for the senior side, and his club are already guaranteed to continue their Europa League campaign in 2023.
Do Man Utd need to tie Garnacho down to a new deal? Have your say in the comments section
"Alejandro is a great player with a lot of potential for growing" Garnacho's Argentina under-20 coach Javier Mascherano said over the summer. “It is clear that by playing in the club he plays for, and above all the importance his club gives him for the future, it is up to him to show what he is capable of.”
The Spain-born starlet also impressed former Man Utd star Paul Scholes during the victory over Sheriff. Scholes, who played with a young Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal star's first spell at Old Trafford, saw similarities between the newest sensation and a man who arrived with similar attention when he made his debut.
"This crowd loves entertainment and he provided that tonight," Scholes told BT Sport. "He almost reminded me of a young Cristiano with his skill and taking the ball down with confidence.
"I was impressed with the way he could attack on both feet and the unpredictability. He is an 18-year-old kid and he has a big future at Manchester United."
