Argentina make Alejandro Garnacho Olympics decision | OneFootball

Manchester United's hopes of making a fast start to the coming Premier League season have been boosted by confirmation that winger Alejandro Garnacho will not be part of the Argentina squad for this summer's Olympic Games.

The Red Devils are gearing up for a hectic pre-season, eager to turn the page after a mostly disappointing 2023/24 campaign.

Winger Garnacho is currently dazzling specators in the United States with his performances for Argentina in the Copa America. There had been speculation that he might also represent his country in Paris later this month but, after push-back from United, manager Javier Mascherano has left Garnacho out of his final squad.

Garnacho's preparations for the upcoming season have already been complicated by his Copa America involvement, which is expected to see him miss a large part of United's pre-season tour while he recovers.

However, now Garnacho is not part of the Olympics squad, he will return to United before the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Garnacho remains available to Man Utd / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages

Garnacho showcased remarkable endurance and skill last season, playing in 50 out of the Red Devils' 52 matches and starting in 39 consecutive games. He found the back of the net ten times. Impressively, along with defender Diogo Dalot, Garnacho managed to avoid injury throughout the entire term.

There is just one Premier League player in Argentina's squad, with Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez being granted permission to play by the reigning English champions.

Alvarez's involvement is significant for both Manchester clubs as he appears likely to miss the Community Shield on August 10 - one day after the conclusion of the men's football tournament at this summer's Olympics.

Lionel Messi has also been left out of the Argentina squad, having confirmed last month that he could not compete at both Copa America and the Olympics.