Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho nominated for Golden Boy award

Alejandro Garnacho has made the 100-strong shortlist for this year's Golden Boy award, a prize given to the best player under the age of 21 based in Europe.

Garnacho enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Manchester United, scoring five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions. That form earned the 18-year-old a call-up to the Argentina squad earlier this month, culminating in his first two senior caps against Australia and Indonesia.

The teenager was rewarded for his contributions - most of which came from the bench - with a new five-year contract in April. And he has now been recognised as one of the best young talents playing in Europe.

The 100-player shortlist was published on Tuesday. Garnacho is the only United player included in the list but other Premier League talents like Rico Lewis, Harvey Elliott and Levi Colwill have also been nominated.

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Barcelona's Gavi is the current holder. Former United stars Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba and Anderson have all won the award, as has current Reds player Anthony Martial.

A data element has ranked the current group via a 'Golden Boy Rating', placing Garnacho in 32nd with a rating of 72.3. Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala tops the charts on 98.3, with Jude Bellingham second on 95.

Garnacho will enjoy an extended break after completing international duty, but is expected to join up with the United squad before their first pre-season friendly against Leeds United on July 12. He, along with the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Amad, will hope to impress Erik ten Hag over the summer in pursuit of more regular first-team opportunities.