Will Alejandro Garnacho feature at U20 World Cup?

The young Manchester United forward has been named in Argentina's team for the upcoming tournament

According to sources, Alejandro Garnacho has requested Erik Ten Hag for a leave of absence so that he can participate in Argentina's U20 World Cup campaign.

This season, the 18-year-old has established himself as a key member of the Manchester United squad, making 29 outings for them across all competitions.

Prior to the World Cup commencing in May, his efforts with the Red Devils have earned him several calls to Argentina's senior team in recent months. But Alejandro Garnacho missed the call-up due to an injury.

Alejandro Garnacho allegedly wants to represent Argentina at the U20 World Cup in May, even if it means missing Manchester United's FA Cup final.

It was made known that United had reservations about allowing Garnacho to travel for the competition, which begins on May 20 at home. This is because of their essential stretch of league games to clinch Champions League eligibility and, perhaps more importantly, an FA Cup final date against Manchester City on June 3 to prevent their rivals from achieving the treble.

Javier Mascherano, the managing coach of the Albiceleste and a former Liverpool player, travelled to Manchester on Friday to persuade the winger to sign with the national team.

The conversation seemed to have gone well, Garnacho texted Mascherano:: "I need to write my own story with the Argentina shirt. I ask you to please let me go."

The 18-year-old winger will reiterate his requests before Thursday's match against Tottenham in an effort to get a seat on the aircraft, despite Ten Hag's hesitation to release a player who is only recently recovering from an ankle ailment.

Argentina has had less good fortune. Mascherano is considering Facundo Buonanotte of Brighton for this summer's tournament, but it's said that Roberto De Zerbi and his coaching staff are even more determined to hold onto their midfielder.

With nine league games left to play this season and the Seagulls having been knocked out of the FA Cup by United, their only goal will be to qualify for Europe for the first time. To do this, they will need a fully-stocked team.

Mascherano's 21-man Argentina team will be publicly revealed on May 8, and it's believed that he wants a firm response before that date.