Erik ten Hag has questioned whether Alejandro Garnacho is ready to be part of Argentina‘s squad at the World Cup despite a thrilling cameo performance from the Manchester United teenager against Aston Villa on Thursday night.
Garnacho came off the bench at Old Trafford to set up two goals as United twice came from a goal down to eventually win 4-2 and book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
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Ten Hag was impressed with the 18-year-old’s performance but hinted that it may be too soon for him to be part of Argentina’s squad in Qatar.
Garnacho has been named in a preliminary squad that will need to be whittled down to 26 players before FIFA’s deadline on Sunday.
“It is a big step to go to a World Cup where all the best players go together,” said Ten Hag.
“That is a big step and I don’t know if that is the right step for him. I think he has to keep clean, stay calm and work hard and develop, and improve game to game.
“It’s difficult to say, I don’t know the abilities of all the Argentina players. I know a lot of players from Argentina, but for 26, what is available for them.”