FA Cup

Man United's Alejandro Garnacho 'chooses Under-20 World Cup over FA Cup final'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 April 2023

Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho reportedly chooses to represent Argentina in this summer's Under-20 World Cup instead of playing in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly chosen to represent Argentina Under-20s in this summer's World Cup rather than turning out for the Red Devils in the FA Cup final.

Erik ten Hag's side will take on bitter rivals Manchester City in the showpiece match thanks to a penalty shootout win over Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday's semi-final.

Man United played out a goalless stalemate with the Seagulls over 120 minutes, but Solly March's missed penalty proved costly for Brighton, as the Red Devils reached the final for the 21st time in their history.

Garnacho watched on from the sidelines at Wembley due to the ankle injury he sustained in last month's draw with Southampton, which has kept him out of Man United's last nine matches across all competitions.

The 18-year-old is expected to recover from his affliction in time for the final few weeks of the season, having stepped up his rehabilitation in the past couple of weeks, although he is now facing a difficult decision between club and international allegiances.

Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho receives treatment on March 12, 2023 © Reuters

The Red Devils will conclude their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on May 28, six days before they lock horns with Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on June 3.

However, the imminent Under-20 World Cup - which is being hosted in Garnacho's native Argentina - starts on May 20, as the Albiceleste's Under-20s take on Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand in the group stage.

Argentina kick off their bid for glory against Uzbekistan on May 20 before tackling Guatemala three days later, and they round off the group stage against New Zealand on May 28, the final day of the English top-flight season.

Should Argentina advance to the knockout rounds, the last 16 matches will take place on May 30, May 31 and June 1 before the quarter-finals on June 3 and 4.

It has been claimed that Man United will block Garnacho from playing in the Under-20 World Cup, as they expect the attacker to recover from his injury in time to play a crucial role in the final few weeks of the season.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their second goal on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

However, Argentina journalist Damian Villagra - as quoted by The Sun - has claimed that Garnacho will choose the World Cup over the FA Cup final, saying in a tweet: "Alejandro Garnacho's decision is to come and play the World Cup for the Argentina National Team."

It is unclear whether Garnacho would jet off for the duration of the tournament or just the knockout rounds - if Argentina progress - as turning out in the group stage would also see the teenager miss Premier League fixtures with Bournemouth and Chelsea on May 20 and 25 respectively.

Neither Man United nor Argentina's Under-20 team have made an official statement on Garnacho's possible involvement, but Ten Hag is well-stocked out wide with Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga battling for starts.

After making his first-team debut for the Red Devils under Ralf Rangnick last year, Garnacho has featured prominently under Ten Hag this season, contributing four goals and five assists in 29 appearances in all tournaments.

The former Atletico Madrid youngster is only under contract with the Red Devils until 2024, but he is thought to be close to signing a five-year extension with a bumper pay rise.