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Manchester United have reportedly still not made a decision on Alejandro Garnacho’s participation in the Olympic Games this summer.
The Argentine international has turned himself into an indispensable member of the first team, playing 50 games this season.
The 19 year old scored 10 goals and provided five assists, including the crucial opener in the FA Cup final, pouncing on a mix-up between Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega.
Many fans are concerned that the player may not get the rest he needs this summer after a taxing campaign.
Garnacho has already spoken of his passion to play for and establish himself as a star for his national team and will hardly turn down the chance to represent la Albiceleste at any level.
He has been given this opportunity as he has been called up for the Argentina national team’s provisional squad to play in the COPA America this July.
It is normal that a player will represent his nation after a gruelling season like many of United’s first team will but it would seem illogical for him to do it twice, also playing in the Olympic Games, which are due to end on the 11th August, just in time for the new Premier League season to kick off.
In fact, United are scheduled to play Manchester City in the Community Shield on the 10th of August after winning the FA Cup, meaning any Olympic involvement would certainly put paid to his chances of playing for his club side in the season opener.
It was reported over the weekend that United had refused Argentina permission to select the youngster, in which numerous supporters would have breathed a collective sigh of relief.
However, The Manchester Evening News challenges this report and suggests that “Manchester United have not decided on Alejandro Garnacho’s potential involvement with Argentina in the upcoming Olympic games”.
“Sources have indicated there’s a strong working relationship between United and Argentina and any decision taken on Garnacho will be agreed upon by all parties involved.”
The Red Devils will be keen to keep a positive relationship with Garnacho and also the Argentines as Lisandro Martinez is also a key player for the club and needs to have his minutes managed.
At the same time, the winger is an employee of the club and they must take the right decision that benefits the long-term health of the player and also the club’s own interests.
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