Angel Di Maria has been discussing Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho amid criticism for his performances at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho has been one of Manchester United’s brighter players this season, but with increased responsibility has come higher expectations.
The Argentine is now one of the main goal threats for a team struggling to score goals. Last time out, the Reds failed to score against a Spurs side renowned for leaking goals.
It was Garnacho who received the best chance of the game when Bruno Fernandes slid him in during the first-half, but his skied effort frustrated United fans and Ruben Amorim.
While the 20-year-old has 14 goal contributions so far this season, just four of those have come in the Premier League.
Despite being one of the brighter players compared to others, Garnacho has still received plenty of criticism for his performances.
Di Maria makes controversial Garnacho claim
Angel Di Maria has played alongside Garnacho for the Argentina national team and they were both part of the squad which won the Copa America last year.
The 37-year-old spent one year at Old Trafford but departed on sour terms with the United supporters. He has since spoken badly about his time at the club under Louis van Gaal.
However, Di Maria has provided support to Garnacho in recent days, but rather than focusing on his time at United, he wants the 20-year-old to receive more game-time for Argentina.
Garnacho has eight caps for the Argentina national team but just two of those have been starts. The winger, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo, can split opinion in the South American country.
Despite this, Di Maria thinks that it is important for Lionel Scaloni to give Garnacho more game-time now so he is prepared to become an important player for Argentina in the future, with the World Cup being played next year.
As quoted by Argentine outlet DobleAmarilla, Di Maria said: “You can’t go to a World Cup without Garnacho playing 90 minutes in a single match, he needs experience.
“I saw the match against Paraguay, where they said ‘Garnacho came in there, but he didn’t…’. It’s a qualifying round, he wasn’t playing against Chelsea, who might let you play more, he needs that experience, to start feeling it.
“They need to give those minutes to these kids who are going to represent you in a World Cup in a year and a half, in a year and something.”
Garnacho must step up for United
Garnacho may get the opportunity to get some more experience for Argentina next month, with the international break falling in the middle of March.
However, United fans will be hoping that his number one priority is improving his form for the club as they try to remove themselves from the rut they are currently in.
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Garnacho continues to show promise in his game and is easily United’s strongest threat in behind defences.
However, even though it might not be a fair situation, the club’s actions have left him with a great importance in the team and United need him to step up in the back end of the season.
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