Man Utd wonderkid earns senior Argentina call-up aged 17 amid international row

Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho has been named in Argentina's 44-man squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.

The winger, 17, has represented Spain at U18 level and is yet to make his senior debut for United, playing just one professional game against Bradford in the EFL Trophy.

Many Red Devils fans will recognise Garnacho's name, as he scored a stunning individual goal in the FA Youth Cup last month before copying Cristiano Ronaldo's "sui" celebration.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has announced a "pre-list" for the qualifiers, due to be played on March 25 and 30. Argentina have already qualified for this year's tournament in Qatar.

Argentina's squad also includes captain Lionel Messi, Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, Tottenham ace Cristian Romero and new Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.

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Garnacho was born in Madrid but is eligible to play for Argentina through his mother.

It's unclear at the stage whether he will play for Argentina later this month, or whether Scaloni and his backroom staff just want to take a look at him.

Even if Garnacho features in both games, he will still be eligible to represent Spain. Players are allowed to win three senior caps under the age of 21 before switching their allegiance.

As reported last month, Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi - who has three competitive caps for England - is considering switching his international allegiance to Ghana.

United signed the teenager from Atletico Madrid in September 2020. He was described as the "jewel" in the Spanish outfit's academy on his arrival in England.

Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in signing Garnacho, who has just 15 months remaining on his existing deal, two years ago.

The talent recently scored twice in the FA Youth Cup win against Leicester - including a delightful free-kick - to earn praise from fellow United teenager Anthony Elanga.

"Increible Papito," wrote Elanga on Garnacho's Instagram, which translates into "amazing daddy". Garnacho replied: "Following your steps."

The winger has also been lauded by former Premier League star and United academy graduate David Jones, who won the FA Youth Cup in 2003.

"He's popped up with another great moment to send the boys through," Jones told MUTV after the team's win against Leicester.

"He's a moments man, he produces moments when you need it. I'm really impressed with him with each game."

On Garnacho's free-kick, Jones added: "He steps up, it's a good hit from him. He hits the target, hits it with pace, with whip on it."

Garnacho is having a season to remember, scoring 10 goals and producing five assists in 24 youth-team appearances.

United have reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup - the most prestigious youth competition in England - and face Wolves at Old Trafford on March 9.

The other semi-final is between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, with the final set to take place on April 30.

United are the most successful team in the competition's history, winning 10 times. Their most recent triumph - inspired by the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard - came in 2011.

Aston Villa are the defending champions, beating Liverpool 2-1 in last season's final.