Photos: Garnacho pictured in senior Argentina training for the first time

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Manchester United teenager Alejandro Garnacho was a shock call-up to the Argentina squad for their next round of fixtures.

Garnacho is yet to make his senior United debut and was a shock inclusion in Argentina’s provisional 33-man squad for the international break.

They face matches against Venezuela and Ecuador with qualification for next summer’s World Cup already assured.

And with the international break getting underway, the 17-year-old has been pictured in senior Argentina training for the first time.

His message, translated, read: “Hello Argentina! Happy to be here.”

He also posted more training images on his story, including one shaking hands with Argentina’s manager, former West Ham defender Lionel Scaloni.

Speaking to United’s club website, Garnacho said Argentina’s staff had spoken to him weeks in advance of his maiden call-up.

“I have dual nationality, so this is a unique opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to the moment and make the most of it. I was born in Madrid, but my mother is Argentine, as is her entire family, and it will be an honor to be able to represent Argentina.

“Justin [Cochrane] and Darren Fletcher are two members of the club who are always very attentive to me, supporting me in all kinds of decisions.

“And outside the club is Javier Mascherano, who is Argentina’s Under-20 coach. Since they were interested in me two or three months ago, they have always been very attentive, worrying about me. He is very attentive, and I am very grateful.”

And the Argentine press were interested in his recent performance to help United into the final of the FA Youth Cup.

Argentine outlet TyC Sports hailed Garnacho’s ‘tremendous goal’, praising his ‘exquisite’ technique, while Bola VIP remarked ‘he’s on fire’, praising his ‘great goal’.

It is a big ask for Garnacho to make a splash for a nation where the expectations are so high before he has even made his United bow.

That said, Hannibal Mejbri is impressing with Tunisia with limited first team exposure for United, which may be an example for Garnacho to follow.

And if Garnacho can impress on international duty, perhaps he will catch Ralf Rangnick’s eye at what is an exciting time with the Youth Cup final on the horizon next month.