Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho should have gone with Argentina to the World Cup, says legendary countryman Mario Kempes.

Argentina did pretty well at the 2022 World Cup, winning the tournament for the first time since 1986. But perhaps with Alejandro Garnacho in the squad it could have been a little easier.

France forward Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick left Argentina shell-shocked in the final until the penalty shootout.

According to Kempes, Manchester United wonderkid Garnacho could have been their very own Mbappe.

Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Kempes compares Garnacho to Mbappe

1978 World Cup champion Mario Kempes was quoted by Argentine outlet TNT Sport talking up the Manchester United youngster.

He said: “He has an incredible category and personality. He reminds me of Mbappe.

Kempes added: “I don’t know why he didn’t go to the World Cup.”

The former striker’s words are high praise, and show how highly Garnacho is regarded in his homeland.

He was called into the Argentina international squad in March before an ankle ligament injury ruled him out.

Argentine outlet El Destape this week reported Garnacho is expected to return to action in early May.

The 18-year-old shared a picture wearing football boots for the first time since his injury, showing he is making positive progress with his recovery.

Whether Garnacho can live up to the Mbappe comparisons or not, Manchester United fans share the opinion that the teenager is a very special talent.

This time last year he fired United to the FA Youth Cup, and he has subsequently scored for the first team in the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, also featuring in the club’s Carabao Cup success.

We hope to see him back as soon as possible so he can continue to live up to his high billing and carry on where he left off.