Man Utd deny Alejandro Garnacho request despite private talks with Erik ten Hag

Manchester United will not permit Alejandro Garnacho to represent Argentina in the upcoming Olympic games.

Garnacho, 19, has established himself as a key player for the Red Devils this season after making 50 appearances in all competitions and has also reinforced his spot in the Argentina national team.

His emergence on the international stage has seen the winger come into contention for this summer’s Copa America and the Olympics, where Argentina’s Under-23 team will compete for gold in Paris.

However, Garnacho would likely miss the start of the new Premier League campaign if he were to participate in the Olympics – and TYC Sports are claiming that United have decided to block Argentina from calling him up for the games.

That’s despite Garnacho himself pleading his case during private talks with manager Erik ten Hag. It’s also outlined that the Old Trafford management team are not expected to change their mind, even in spite of Garnacho’s desire to take part.

The Olympics finish on August 9 – just one week before the start of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. And given clubs have no obligation to release players for the games, Argentina boss Javier Mascherano could see more players blocked from competing.

While the report claims that Garnacho expressed his desire to compete in the games to Ten Hag, it still remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will actually be in charge at Old Trafford next season.

Join the debate! Should Man Utd let Garnacho play in the Olympics? Let us know here.

The former Ajax chief, 54, oversaw the club’s worst ever Premier League campaign. The Red Devils finishing the season in eighth place with a negative goal difference, although they did end the season with silverware after winning the FA Cup.

His fate will be decided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ new football operations team following an end of season review. A host of top coaches have been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks and it was reported on the eve of the cup final by The Guardian that United had already decided to sack Ten Hag.

Among the names who have been touted as possible successors for Ten Hag include Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Kieran McKenna was also reported to be in Ineos’ thoughts, although the Northern Irishman has since signed a bumper new contract to lead Ipswich Town in the Premier League after guiding them to successive promotions.

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