Alejandro Garnacho is heading into his first ever international tournament with Argentina.

After a long season with Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho has had a little rest in the lead-up to the Copa America.

In two recent international friendlies Argentina played against Ecuador and Guatemala, Garnacho was an unused substitute.

Does this mean Garnacho is an afterthought for manager Lionel Scaloni? Or is the Manchester United teenager being kept in reserve as a ‘secret weapon’ for the tournament?

Photo by Marco Bello/Getty Images

Alejandro Garnacho will begin the Copa America on the bench, but as the tournament grows on, there will be opportunity for him to force his way into the side.

Squad numbers for the tournament have been assigned, and there is a familiar number for Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho has been assigned Argentina’s number 17 shirt, which is significant for a couple of reasons.

The number 17 is the squad number Garnacho currently holds at club level for Manchester United.

There is also a nod to Garnacho’s idol, former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The number 17 is the squad number Cristiano Ronaldo wore for Portugal at his first ever international tournament in Euro 2004.

Ronaldo has gone onto become the all-time international leading goalscorer – still going strong at the age of 39

Alejandro Garnacho’s involvement, or lack of, at the Copa America is good news for Manchester United either way.

If he does not play much, then there is more rest, and less risk of burnout or injury. He would also return to United with a point to prove.

Conversely, if Garnacho does end up playing a bigger role, then it will enhance his experience and reputation, and lift his confidence for next season.