starlet has hailed club teammate , describing the defender as a father figure at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season under , becoming one of the Dutchman’s
Having also been rewarded with a new long-term contract, the winger has also been called up to the senior Argentina squad
Back in Manchester, Garnacho has been aided by his countryman Martinez in what was the defender’s first season at the club following his move from Ajax.
Speaking to , the youngster opened up on his relationship with ‘Licha’.
“Here, they call me Ale and Licha (Lisandro Martinez) calls me Garna because in Manchester that’s what they call me.
‘Lisandro Martínez is like my father in Manchester. He tells me when I’m doing well and when I’m doing bad. He helps me a lot. He’s a 10 as a person. He talks to me about the national team.’
Garnacho was selected in the Argentina squad for the Under-20 World Cup but United did not release the player for the tournament which coincided with the season run-in.
Argentina’s campaign ended at the round of 16 stage after defeat to Nigeria with Garnacho revealing he spoke ‘a lot’ with the coach over joining up with the national team.
‘I lost the U20 World Cup because the competition in Manchester was still going on.
‘I spoke a lot with the coach (Erik ten Hag), I asked him please (to let him go) but he told me I couldn’t go. But I followed them on television.’
Garnacho was born in Madrid where was part of the Atletico youth set-up but has committed to Argentina where his mother is from.
‘The idea is for Garnacho to play, to enjoy the minutes and to see how he does with his team mates,’ Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said of their coming international games. The expectation is to see these guys who are coming for the first time. Give them time, minutes.’
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