Man Utd star at risk of missing start of the new season with Olympics decision looming

Garnacho could have a busy summer ahead (Picture: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Manchester United face the possibility of being without Alejandro Garnacho for the start of the new Premier League season with Argentina planning to call him up for their Olympics squad.

The United winger enjoyed a superb 2023-24 campaign under Erik ten Hag, becoming a key member of the first-team.

The 19-year-old ended the campaign with 10 goals and five assists to his name, including his Goal of the Season against Everton and his side’s opener in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Garnacho’s progress has not gone unnoticed at international level. While born in Madrid, the winger has declared for Argentina, making his senior debut last summer and featuring in the March international break with five senior appearances to his name.

The world champions have a busy summer ahead with the Copa America kicking off in June with an Under-23 squad heading to Paris for the Olympics.

Garnacho is firmly contention to make both squads with TNT Argentina reporting Javier Mascherano, in charge of the Olympic team, has decided to name the United star in his squad.

Argentina begin their Copa America campaign on 20 June with the competition running until 14 July with La Albiceleste a hoping to go all the way.

If he’s still in charge, ten Hag could have a big selection problem (Picture: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

There could be a very quick turnaround for players like Garnacho with the Olympics campaign from 25 July to 9 August.

Garnacho, along with Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, could find themselves playing in both competitions.

The new Premier League season meanwhile kicks off one week after the conclusion of the Olympic on 16 August, with any players involved in the Olympic campaign expected to be handed a rest before returning to club action.

Reports in Argentina claim United have not yet responded to Argentina’s request for Garnacho to be part of their Olympic squads.

Clubs do have the option to block their players being called up with Arsenal set to take such action with William Saliba.

France could face similar problems in attempting to persuade Real Madrid to release Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.

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