ALEJANDRO GARNACHO could miss Manchester United’s FA Cup final to play in the Under-20 World Cup for Argentina.
Reports in Garnacho’s homeland claim the teen star, 18, has decided to turn out for his country ahead of the derby blockbuster at Wembley.
AFPAlejandro Garnacho could reportedly miss the FA Cup final[/caption]
GETTYThe winger has reportedly decided to play in the Under-20 World Cup – which kicks off on May 20[/caption]
United face neighbours City at Wembley on June 3.
And that could clash with the knock-out stages of the youth tournament which will kicks off in Argentina on May 20.
Argentina journalist Damian Villagra tweeted: “Alejandro Garnacho’s decision is to come and play the World Cup for the Argentina National Team.”
Garnacho has been on the sidelines with an ankle injury sustained in March.
He has scored four goals for Erik ten Hag’s side this season – including the third goal in the FA Cup fifth round 3-1 win over West Ham at Old Trafford.
Garnacho’s decision to play in the tournament has yet to be confirmed by United or Argentina.
But that hasn’t stopped some of the Old Trafford faithful from panicking.
One United fan said: “Garnacho going to the World Cup when we'[re] in a Dawg Fight.”
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Garnacho hasn’t played since picking up ankle ligament damage in last month’s 0-0 draw with SouthamptonREX
And another said: “So he won’t be available for the FA Cup final.”
One questioned: “Alejandro, bro?”
While one supporter, referencing United’s injury woes, chimed in: “Garnacho, [Raphael] Varane, [Lisandro] Martinez and now Bruno [Fernandes]. We don’t deserve this.”
Garnacho has been on the sidelines since March after suffering ankle ligament damage in the Red Devils’ 0-0 draw with relegation battlers Southampton.
But he seemingly handed Ten Hag a boost last Saturday by ditching the supports outside Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village.
He left Old Trafford on crutches and was seen using them again six days later.
Ten Hag was optimistic earlier this month about Garnacho’s chances of returning to the starting XI before the end of the season.
The Dutchman said: “We have something in our heads.
“But I don’t want – he will definitely be back before the end of the season.
“I think he will be in the final stages, but I don’t want to bring so much pressure on the medical and Garnacho to set a date when to be back.”
United will be back in action on Thursday, travelling to North London to take on top-four rivals Tottenham.