Alejandro Garnacho shirt number confirmed for Copa America, it is a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

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

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

Alejandro Garnacho shirt number for Copa America

Alejandro Garnacho will start the Copa America on the bench, but as the tournament progresses there will be an opportunity for him to force his way into the squad.

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

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

The number 17 is the shirt number that Garnacho currently has 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 shirt number that Cristiano Ronaldo wore for Portugal during his first ever international tournament at the 2004 European Championship.

Ronaldo has become the international top scorer of all time and is still going strong at the age of 39.

Garnacho’s involvement is a win-win situation for Manchester United

Either way, Alejandro Garnacho’s involvement, or lack thereof, in the Copa America is good news for Manchester United.

If he doesn’t play much, 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 ends up playing a bigger role, it will add to his experience and reputation and boost his confidence for next season.

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