Manchester United have secured the future of Alejandro Garnacho until June 2028; "This new long-term contract reflects our confidence in him to continue his exciting development under the guidance of Erik ten Hag and his staff," says John Murtough, United's director of football
Friday 28 April 2023 14:51, UK
Alejandro Garnacho has signed a new five-year contract at Manchester United.
Argentina forward Garnacho, who was signed by United from Spanish side Atletico Madrid as a 16-year-old in 2020, has broken into the first team at Old Trafford this season under manager Erik ten Hag.
Last season, Garnacho scored twice in the FA Youth Cup final as United lifted the trophy for the 11th time and the 18-year-old is now making his mark at senior level.
Garnacho has already made 31 first-team appearances.
"When I joined this incredible club, I dreamt of achieving my debut, playing at Old Trafford, scoring my first goal and winning trophies with this badge on my chest," he said.
"I feel very proud and emotional to have experienced these moments already, together with my family who have supported me every step of the way.
"We are all humbled to have this chance to continue our journey at Manchester United and I have already begun to work on achieving the next set of targets and ambitions.
"The manager and his coaching staff have helped me to improve in every way, and with their support, I am developing each day to help the team to be successful.
"I am relishing the future and can't wait to create more special memories with this group, in front of our amazing supporters."
United director of football John Murtough said: "Alejandro has really dedicated himself to achieving the objectives that the club set out for him since he arrived in Manchester.
"His talent, drive and determination to succeed saw him quickly progress from our academy into the first team, and this new long-term contract reflects our confidence in him to continue his exciting development under the guidance of Erik and his staff.
"Alejandro has huge potential, and we are all looking forward to working with him to ensure he can fulfil his ambitions here at Manchester United in the coming years."
United manager Erik ten Hag revealed that Garnacho will return to partial team training on Friday and could be back part of the matchday squad for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday.
The teenager has been out with an ankle problem since the middle of March, which has made him absent from United's last five league squads.
"He will train (on Friday) in team training, partially," said Ten Hag. "We will see if he can return properly in the team with training and then back in full games."
Ten Hag also revealed that he will not release Garnacho to take part in the FIFA U20 World Cup over the summer. The tournament begins before the Premier League season ends.
United are six points ahead of Unai Emery's Villa, though Ten Hag's side have two games in hand over the Midlands club.
April 30: Aston Villa (H) - Premier League, kick-off 2pm
May 4: Brighton (A) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
May 7: West Ham (A) - Premier League, kick-off 7pm
May 13: Wolves (H) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm
May 20: Bournemouth (A) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm
May 25: Chelsea (H) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
May 28: Fulham (H) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm
