Manchester United shot-stopper David de Gea has sent a warning to Real Madrid that there is no chance Alejandro Garnacho swaps Old Trafford for the Santiago Bernabeu.
Garnacho has emerged as a shining light for United this term after netting two goals in five starts across all competitions. This includes a last-gasp winner away at Fulham in their last Premier League game before the pause in the season for the World Cup.
Having joined United for £300,000 when he was 16 years of age from Atletico Madrid, two years down the line the teenager is attracting huge interest from far and wide. Most notably, Los Blancos wish to oversee Garnacho’s return to Spain.
It has been reported that Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the winger’s development and are well aware of the fact the 18 year-old’s deal with United expires in 18 months’ time.
In turn, The Red Devils are doing their best to try and tie Garnacho down to a new long-term contract which would see his wages significantly increased, though he is already pocketing £5,000 per-week.
Erik ten Hag’s side contested another midseason friendly on Saturday against Real Betis, and they were beaten, this time only 1-0. Garnacho was given minutes in both contests and after the latter, was asked about his club future by the Spanish media.
Before he could give a proper answer, De Gea intervened to declare: “We won’t let him leave.” Though Real Madrid will try their best, Garnacho may view United as the best place for his development, given he is getting regular minutes at first-team level.
United’s improved offer is believed to involve a wage increase of £45,000 per week, which will prove tempting to the winger, who was warned before the World Cup that he must try to keep his momentum going in the second half of the campaign by Ten Hag.
Speaking after Garnacho’s heroics against Fulham in mid-November, Ten Hag said: “It shows that he has the talent, a great talent but he has a long way to go. He has to make a big investment because it will be recognisable every time he plays. There’s a four-week break now, which is a danger for him because he now has the momentum. We will have to manage that but I’m certain we will.
“The danger is four weeks, no games. He needs to stay in the same attitude that he has shown in the last four or five weeks. He is fantastic. First, he shows the mentality you need. Under stress he’s performing, he’s coming in, he has an impact, he has the belief. Twice in three, four days, so that is really good.”
