Man Utd 'did not let Alejandro Garnacho play' at the under-20 World Cup

Manchester United have turned down Alejandro Garnacho's plea to compete at the Under-20 World Cup in his native Argentina.

The 18-year-old winger had reportedly requested leave from manager Erik ten Hag to represent Argentina in the tournament, which runs from May 30 to June 11.

According to reports in Argentina, Garnacho told Ten Hag: 'I need to write my story with the Argentine shirt. I ask you please to let me go'.

Had Garnacho been cleared to play in the competition, he would have unavailable to feature for United in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final.

The final against Manchester City is scheduled to take place at Wembley in June 3.

Should Garnacho have recovered from an ankle injury, the 18-year-old would provide Ten Hag with a potential attacking option to make an impact on the showpiece.

According to Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul, Garnacho has seen his request turned down by the club despite the winger having done 'everything he could to be there'.

Argentina had keen to include Garnacho in their squad for the tournament, as the winger's involvement would have offered a major boost to their chances of success.

Javier Mascherano's side had initially failed to qualify for tournament, but Argentina earned a reprieve after stepping in as hosts last month.

Garnacho has been a revelation when fit this season and picked up four goals in 29 appearances, but has not played since March after picking up an ankle injury.

Garnacho recently shared an Instagram post suggesting he is close to full fitness again,

Ten Hag has also expressed confidence that Garnacho would return to first-team action before the end of the campaign.

The United winger is yet to make an appearance for Argentina's first-team, despite earning multiple call-ups to the squad.

The 18-year-old was named in Argentina's senior squad for their friendlies against Panama and Curaçao in March.

However, he was struck by injury during their clash with Southampton shortly after and was unable to join up with the national squad.

The winger also missed out on a place in the squad for Qatar, when they won the World Cup, but will be hoping he can break into the first-team soon.