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Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho won't be going to the Olympics. (Image: Getty.)
Manchester United have reportedly refused Argentina's request for Alejandro Garnacho to be released for this summer's Olympics. The national Under-23 team, led by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, had asked for Erik ten Hag's starlet to accompany them in an attempt to win Gold in Paris.
The Olympics' football event runs from July 26 to August 11 and Argentina would be expected to go far into the competition, especially if Garnacho was allowed to join the likes of senior stars Emi Martinez and Enzo Fernandez, who have also been requested.
But Argentinian outlet TyC Sports claim that United have now refused Argentina's request and Garnacho will remain with his club for a big pre-season as they attempt to improve on an eighth-placed finish last season.
However, they are running the risk of upsetting their young winger, who has been keen to establish himself on the international stage and further his progression after becoming a key figure under Ten Hag.
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Alejandro Garnacho won't get to represent his country at the Olympics. (Image: Getty)
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United had been put in a very tricky situation, knowing the importance of Garnacho to the team. They will have been keen to avoid causing any tension between the South American and new decision-makers INEOS, but losing him just before the Premier League campaign begins on August 17 would be deemed an unforced issue.
The club will hope that Garnacho can see the dilemma from their point-of-view as they look to build around him and fellow young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund for the future.
Mascherano had been very keen on calling up Garnacho, with former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron explaining that his compatriot believes that the 19-year-old is the "best young talent" in Argentina.
"I spoke to Javier Mascherano and he fully expects him [Garnacho] to become a star," Veron told Gambling Zone last year. "Playing for Manchester United at that age is not easy, but I think he has to have patience.
"He needs to work really hard, because he has the chance to become a regular player for a really big team. I really trust Mascherano’s words, so for him to say he is the best young talent in Argentina is a really big compliment - but it just shows his undoubted quality and he is someone who I am sure has a big future."
