Alejandro Garnacho sends message to Erik ten Hag after signing new Manchester United contract

Alejandro Garnacho has thanked Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for giving him an opportunity with the first team after he signed a new deal with the club.

The Argentine signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford after a breakthrough season with the senior side. Garnacho, who will remain with the Reds until June 2028, has registered four goals and nine assists so far this campaign.

Garnacho has not played for United since going off injured in the goalless draw with Southampton in February, but he returned to training last Friday. He was not on the bench for the win over Aston Villa on Sunday, however, he could potentially be in the squad for the clash with Brighton on Thursday night.

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The youngster was keen to thank Ten Hag for his support during the campaign, with Garnacho expressing his gratitude after being given an opportunity with the first team.

"I want to say thank you to the manager first because he gave me the opportunity and, of course, my family, all academy coaches and everyone who has helped me so much," he told club media. "I wouldn't be signing this new contract without their support."

The 18-year-old will spend the rest of the season with United after the club ruled out the possibility of him missing the end of the campaign to compete with Argentina in the Under-20 World Cup. Garnacho insisted he is desperate to help the Reds win another trophy this term and secure Champions League football.

He added: "In the end, I’m very ambitious and will not settle for having won one trophy. This season we’ve still got one trophy ahead of us to play for and we’ll be battling for it as hard as we can.

"And we also have the target of