Emiliano Martinez believes Manchester United have a "little treasure" in the form of Alejandro Garnacho after he made his senior debut for Argentina on Thursday.
Garnacho, 18, came on as a second-half substitute for the world champions as they recorded a comfortable win over Australia in Beijing. Lionel Messi struck his fastest-career goal inside two minutes to give Argentina the lead, before German Pezzella notched a second after the break.
Lionel Scaloni promised Garnacho some minutes in either of the two friendlies against Australia or Indonesia this summer, and his word was proven in China as the winger entered the field of play with 16 minutes to play. He replaced the evergreen Nico Gonzalez and put in a real shift on his debut.
Speaking after the game, Martinez praised Garnacho's qualities. The Aston Villa goalkeeper told TyC Sports: "He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn't talk a lot. He is very eager to play. The truth is that he's a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria."
Martinez has been linked with a move to United this summer as Erik ten Hag tries to bolster his squad. David de Gea is expected to leave the Red Devils after failing to agree terms on a new contract and United could sign at least one, maybe two new goalkeepers in the transfer window.
Everton and England no.1 Jordan Pickford, Porto and Portugal's first-choice Diogo Costa, as well as Inter Milan's Cameroon stopper Andre Onana are also on their short-list. Tom Heaton will remain at the club as second or third-choice next season, with Jack Butland returning to Crystal Palace at the end of his loan spell.
Does Alejandro Garnacho deserve the no.7 shirt next season? Let us know in the comments below!
As for Garnacho, he endured a memorable breakthrough season under Ten Hag after he was handed his senior debut by Rangnick at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. In total, Garnacho scored five time in 34 appearances, including the winner against Fulham before the World Cup break.
Despite impressing from the bench in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Garnacho was heartbroken. He said on Instagram : "I am broken. People who know me know how obsessed I am with winning, and today it couldn't be.
"Probably one of the hardest days of my life, we will get up again because we are Manchester United. As he said several times, God has taught me to never give up and I promise to the fans that we will bring joy to you very soon."
