Alejandro Garnacho sent Argentina message as Manchester United ace secures international future

Argentina Under-20s boss Javier Mascherano has admitted that they are grateful that Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has pledged his international future to the current World Cup holders.

Born in Spain, Garnacho qualified to play for either the country of his birth or Argentina because his mother hails from the South American nation. The 19-year-old, who appeared off the bench in United's 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, represented Spain at Under-18s level on three occasions.

Garnacho, however, switched international allegiance to Argentina last year, being awarded four appearances at Under-20s level by Mascherano. The youngster was allowed to make the switch because he had never represented Spain at senior level.

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After initially linking up with Argentina at youth level, Garnacho, who started United's opening two Premier League fixtures this term, stepped up to the senior squad earlier this year, making his debut in June. He made two appearances, appearing as a substitute against both Australia and Indonesia.

Those two outings, however, were not enough to tie him down to a permanent place in Argentina's plans, as FIFA rules state that a player must make three appearances at first-team level before their international future is solidified. He earned his third appearance last Tuesday, coming off the bench in their 3-0 win over Bolivia.

With his international future with Argentina now secured, Mascherano, formerly of Liverpool and West Ham United, is delighted that he will continue to represent the three-time World Cup winners in the future.

"Garnacho's discovery is