Man Utd ‘braced for surprise Alejandro Garnacho approach’ as part of double transfer raid

Al Hilal are weighing up an audacious swoop for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho this summer, according to reports. Garnacho joins Casemiro as United players linked with the Saudi Pro League ahead of another transfer window of high-profile arrivals in the Middle East.

The 19-year-old became a crucial player at Old Trafford last season, making 50 appearances and finishing the campaign with 38 consecutive starts.

Erik ten Hag’s decision to shift Garnacho onto the right wing was a masterstroke, harvesting 10 goals and five assists from the ever-improving starlet.

United may be braced for interest in the Argentina international, currently at the Copa America, but Saudi Arabia would be a shock destination.

According to Qatari outlet Alkass TV Sports, Al Hilal are interested in signing Garnacho as they search for young wingers this summer.

Al Hilal cruised to the Saudi Pro League title last season, finishing 14 points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

The club boasts a host of star names, including Neymar, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

And Al Hilal are claimed to be among the Saudi clubs eyeing a swoop for Casemiro ahead of his expected Old Trafford exit in the coming months.

The 32-year-old midfielder is likely to depart following an underwhelming second season since his £70million arrival from Real Madrid.

Al Hilal adding Garnacho as part of a double raid would come as a considerable surprise, given the starlet’s status in Ten Hag’s squad.

Garnacho is widely expected to remain in M16 beyond the summer and will hope to retain his starting berth on the wing while United look to bolster their attack.

The 19-year-old is among a core group of young players who INEOS are bound to want to build around as they begin their reign over football operations under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stewardship.

Kobbie Mainoo, also 19, and Rasmus Hojlund, 21, make up an exciting trio that became a staple of Ten Hag’s teams last term as United lifted the FA Cup.

Garnacho and Mainoo were the goalscorers as the Red Devils defeated rivals Manchester City in the Wembley Stadium final on May 25, establishing themselves as stars of the present and future.

While United are set to reinforce their attacking options this summer, they will prioritise the arrival of a natural striker to provide Hojlund with much-needed competition.

Anthony Martial’s departure as a free agent has freed up a spot in Ten Hag’s squad. The Dutchman will likely be content with starting next term with Garnacho, Antony and Amad Diallo as his right-wing firepower.