Erik ten Hag assesses impressive Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho upset five teams when he signed a new contract with the club, according to reports. The Argentine put pen to paper on a fresh deal at the end of last month. And Erik ten Hag appears set to pursue Frenkie de Jong again, despite the Barcelona star making it clear how happy he is at the Nou Camp.
Manchester United were delighted at seeing Garnacho commit his future to the club, having sparkled under Erik ten Hag so far this season.
And GiveMeSport say the 18-year-old penning a new deal upset five European giants who had been courting his signature.
La Liga duo Real Madrid and Barcelona had both been tracking the winger.
But, despite their reputations as two of the biggest clubs on the planet, neither were able to poach the player.
Italian pair Juventus and Inter Milan were also supposedly keen on Garnacho before it emerged he’d be staying at United for the long haul.
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And Bayern Munich also get a mention, with the Bundesliga giants also missing out on a potential opening to sign the United star.
Garnacho has made just one appearance for the club since suffering an injury against Southampton back in March.
But he dazzled against Wolves last weekend, scoring his side’s second goal in a straightforward 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The report also says Ten Hag has decided on his No 1 midfield target for the summer transfer window.
Adrien Rabiot has been linked, as well as players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Gavi, Mason Mount, Ruben Neves and Romeo Lavia.
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But ‘word inside United’s AON training HQ at Carrington’ say De Jong is the only name that truly ‘excites’ Ten Hag right now.
United spend the whole of last summer’s transfer window pursuing a deal for the Netherlands international, convinced they’d end up landing their man.
However, that didn’t happen with De Jong instead preferring to stay at Barcelona – who have long been the club of his dreams.
It would apparently take a fee in the region of £110million to even stand a chance of securing the signature of the 26-year-old.
De Jong seems happy at Barcelona these days, especially after helping them recently win their first La Liga title since 2019.
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And United may consequently be forced into landing alternatives, with links to Rabiot gaining strength as the summer transfer window nears.
Meanwhile, regarding Garnacho, the teenager was recently praised by Carlos Tevez for his performances this season.
Tevez spent two years at Old Trafford between 2007 and 2009 before jumping ship to fierce rivals Manchester City.
And the United villain said: “Garnacho is good. To play for Manchester United you have to be good.
“He is playing for [one of] the top three clubs in the world, which are Real Madrid, Manchester City and United are there.”
He added: “It is not easy for Argentines to insert yourself into that culture.
“To play there (in England) you have to be crack.”
Garnacho could be involved when United face off against rivals Chelsea on Thursday night (8pm).
The Red Devils need just a point to qualify for next season’s Champions League, having beaten Bournemouth 1-0 on Saturday.
Casemiro score the only goal of the game at the Vitality Stadium to give United a crucial victory on the road.
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