Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho scored a sublime goal for Argentina 's under-20s to show new manager Erik ten Hag just what he can do.
The 17-year-old bagged a game-winning goal against Panama on Wednesday, demonstrating the level of quality which helped the Red Devils lift the FA Youth Cup in May. Garnacho, who scored twice in the final and has made two substitute appearances in United's first-team, chose to represent Argentina despite being born in Spain and even received a senior call-up in March.
But back in the youth ranks this month, the winger showed ability beyond his years by latching onto a pinpoint through ball and curling in a shot from the edge of the penalty area after beating his marker for pace.
His goal kept Argentina top of their group in the Toulon Tournament after beating Saudi Arabia on Sunday, another 1-0 win. La Albiceleste visit France on Saturday and Ten Hag will be keeping an eye on Garnacho's progress after a sensational season in the Red Devils' famous academy.
The Madrid-born forward swapped hometown club Atletico for United in October 2020 and contributed to 10 goals in only seven Youth Cup games as their under-18s won the competition for the first time in 11 years. Garnacho picked up the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year award for his personal campaign and Nick Cox, head of the Red Devils' academy, raved about his talents before handing him the prize prior to United's 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the final.
"Alejandro has had a fantastic season and really deserves this recognition," Cox told manutd.com. "There have been a number of Under-18s players who have performed exceptionally well throughout the year. Reaching an FA Youth Cup final is a fantastic achievement, so this was not an easy decision to make."
"Alejandro has shown great determination from the day that he arrived here from Spain, in the middle of a pandemic. He has adapted extremely well to life in Manchester and continues to improve on the pitch every day. Making his first-team debut last month was the culmination of a great deal of hard work from Alejandro himself, his family and a dedicated group of Academy staff.
"The call-up that he received from Argentina is another fantastic indicator of the progress he has made this season. He remains grounded considering all that he has achieved this year and we know that he will continue to grow within our youth development system."
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Ten Hag will be willing to give youth a chance at Old Trafford next term - having done so successfully at Ajax - and former interim first-team manager Ralf Rangnick will likely have given a nod to Garnacho in his discussions with the Dutch tactician before leaving the club. "He has been training with us [the first team] for the last two weeks and I know that he is one of the most promising players," Rangnick declared, speaking in April.
"[He is] still only 17, but a player that hopefully if he keeps his feet on the ground. If he keeps trying to get better every day, then he will not only be sitting on the bench but there is every chance he will be playing for this club."
