Argentina are celebrating a first World Cup success in 36 years after a dramatic World Cup final in Qatar.
Just days later, English football resumes with the Carabao Cup, and an Argentine could take centre-stage for Manchester United.
Alejandro Garnacho announced himself as a Manchester United player in spectacular style, scoring his first Premier League goal.
Garnacho’s injury-time winner against Fulham sparked wild celebrations among players and supporters at Craven Cottage, and had United fans lamenting the upcoming World Cup break.
Now with the tournament complete and Garnacho refreshed, he has added motivation to pick up where he left off.
Garnacho has great chance for United
Alejandro Garnacho is near certain to start for Manchester United in attack against Burnley.
He was United’s form player before the break, providing two assists in the third round, and was the team’s liveliest attacker in the friendly matches in Spain.
The 18-year-old is United’s best option out wide, with Jadon Sancho still away, Anthony Elanga out of form, and Antony and Marcus Rashford barely returned from the World Cup.
Garnacho is a player Erik ten Hag has faith in, and it will be interesting to see how he responds with a little added reliance upon him.
Fortunately for United, Garnacho has a little added incentive to kick on, too.
A statement for 2026
Argentina’s World Cup success certainly caught Garnacho’s eye. He sent messages to Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez congratulating them on the win.
Now this is his chance to show what he can do. Garnacho could be considered a little unfortunate not to land a late wildcard place in the 2022 squad.
With questions circling over Lionel Messi’s future for 2026, this is a chance for Garnacho to make headlines in his native Argentina, with attention on the national team higher than ever.
Argentina supporters want to know who the next star will be in a post-Messi world. Garnacho has as good a chance as anyone.
His long journey to make the World Cup 2026 squad begins on Wednesday night.
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