Alejandro Garnacho, the Argentine who lives a scoring dream alongside Cristiano Ronaldo

It is a real dilemma. Born in Madrid (Spain), but brimming with Argentine blood. Being wanted by ‘La Roja’, but also by ‘Albiceleste’. Having Cristiano Ronaldo as an idol, but also Lionel Messi… In the midst of various dilemmas he grows Alexander Garnachoa promising jewel of Manchester United that already tells the time in the ‘Old Continent’.

“Yes, as you know, I was born in Madrid, but my mother is Argentine and it will be an honor to represent Argentina, just as it was at the time to represent Spain. I am very excited about this opportunity”expressed Garnacho some time ago before flying to South America to embark on an adventure with the ‘albiceleste’.

All his life he had lived only in Spain. Trained in the Atlético de Madrid youth academy and star with the U-17 and U-18 teams of ‘La Roja’, the young winger heralded a very Spanish future, certainly far removed from his Argentine roots. But things suddenly changed.

After establishing himself as one of the top youth figures at Manchester United – a club he joined in September 2020 for 500,000 euros – Garnacho began to live a true dream with his eyes open. In March 2022, Lionel Scaloni called the ‘kid’ to be part of the final two matches of the Qualifiers and he celebrated with a photo taken from the memory trunk posing as a little boy with the light blue and white shirt.

Thus, the youth of the ‘Red Devils’, although he did not appear on the bench of the senior team, had the great opportunity to share training with one of his greatest idols: Lionel Messi. Together with the Argentine captain, in addition, he captured a photo so as not to forget that moment. “Dreams really do come true. Idol”He posted on his social networks.

Garnacho, being absent from Scaloni’s final lists, took advantage of his short stay in Argentina to play a friendly with the U-20s. Then he had to return to England and wait for a United first-team opportunity, which, in reality, took almost no time at all. Just days after his return, Garnacho appeared for the first time on the ‘Red Devils’ list in a match against Norwich, in which Cristiano shone with a hat-trick (3-2).

The Argentine ‘jewel’ failed to enter the match, but he still left happy and satisfied with his first call-up with his team. In addition, he could already boast another of his idols as his partner: Cristiano Ronaldo. Or as he describes it himself, “The best of all time”.

Officially, Garnacho made his debut before the end of the 2021/22 season in a league match against Chelsea (1-1), making his entry in the last minutes. He also played against Crystal Palace on the final date. And in the midst of it, he was signing one of his first successes with United’s youth teams.

The Argentine winger was the great figure of the ‘Red Devils’ in the Youth FA Cup, scoring two goals in the final against Nottingham Forest (3-1) – he celebrated them with the mythical “SIUU” of his idol at Old Trafford – and thus consecrating himself with the title, which he celebrated with the Argentine flag around his neck.

the dream goes on

The season ended, but Garnacho continued to fulfill his dreams before starting another. At the end of May, Javier Mascherano summoned him to play the Maurice Revello Tournament, in the south of France, with the Argentine U-20 and he did not hesitate to accept the proposal. In fact, he played four games and scored four goals in the friendly tournament, which allowed him to be named the revelation player.

After that, he joined United in pre-season training as everyone at the club lived with nagging uncertainty over whether Ronaldo would stay or go. In the end, the Portuguese did not leave and Garnacho took full advantage of it. And he continues to take advantage of it.

With advice from his idol in mind, the 18-year-old winger has consistently fought for a place in the ‘Red Devils’ scheme. Although this season he has only played one game in the Premier League, the Argentine has had the opportunity to show himself more internationally… in the Europa League.

In fact, after leaving positive feelings in the last duel against the Sheriff, Erik ten Hag gave him the confidence to start in the key game against Real Sociedad. And he did not disappoint.

Garnacho, assisted by his Portuguese idol and teammate, scored his first official goal with Manchester United and celebrated it just as CR7 does now: hands clasped on his chest and eyes closed pointing towards the sky. A true tribute that will remain in the memory.

“18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment. Thank you idol, Cristiano Ronaldo”Garnacho later wrote excitedly on his social networks with the image of the hug with the Portuguese number ‘7’. And is not for less.

This moment will never be forgotten. It has marked the beginning of something wonderful that is coming. From now on, 2022 has been a dream year for Alejandro Garnacho and that is not over yet. With Messi or Cristiano by his side, he will seek to continue fulfilling all his dreams.