Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho's stance revealed amid Real Madrid interest - Reports
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly verbally agreed on a new five-year contract, rejecting interest from Real Madrid in the process. The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford.
Garnacho has bagged two goals and five assists in 21 games across competitions this season. He's being heralded as United's next breakout star, and the football world is taking notice, including Real Madrid.
According to AS, Real Madrid met with the Argentine teenager's representatives to discuss a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu. His contract with the Red Devils expires in 2024. As the young winger has 18 months left on his deal and earns Β£4,000 a week, he could earn substantially more elsewhere with a larger signing-on fee.
However, Garnacho has agreed on a new deal with the Premier League club, with image rights being the only outstanding issue. A contract extension may be confirmed in the next few days. He's set to prolong his stay with Manchester United till 2025, when he will be 25.
Garnacho hasn't just broke into the United first team, he has quickly become a valuable member of Erik ten Hag's side. He scored a remarkable last-gasp winner in a 2-1 win over Fulham just days before the 2022 FIFA World Cup break. He also netted in the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League and assisted Marcus Rashford's winner against Manchester City in the derby win last month.
Manchester United's David de Gea confident Marcel Sabitzer can replace former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro
Manchester United pulled off a dramatic transfer deadline day signing of Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan till the end of the season. The Austrian midfielder was expected to come in as the injured Christian Eriksen's replacement, as the Dane is sidelined till at least late April.
However, he may just be given a more prominent role from the off after Casemiro was sent off in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday (February 3). That means the Brazilian midfielder will miss the Red Devils' next three games - against Leeds United home and away and the trip to Leicester City.
Sabitzer made his debut in the win, which was marred by Casemiro's red card. De Gea feels he could fill in for United's No. 18, saying (via the Guardian):
"Itβs going to be tough, for sure. We already lost Christian, now Casemiro: big players for us. Sabitzer showed already β he played 15 to 20 minutes, and he did really well, made some good tackles; he is good with the ball. And everyone is ready to play.β
The Austrian made 24 appearances for Bayern before joining Manchester United. He could not displace Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka there but can expect a lot more game time at Old Trafford. He has big shoes to fill in Casemiro, though, as the former Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the best signings of the season.