Manchester United prospect Alejandro Garnacho was named on the bench for the Premier League encounter against Norwich City having already earned an Argentina call-up aged 17

Ralf Rangnick tipped Alejandro Garnacho for a very bright future at Manchester United after naming the teenager on the bench for Saturday afternoon’s Premier League clash with Norwich City.

Garnacho, 17, has been training with the first team for the last fortnight as a reward for his brilliant form for the Under-23s and Under-18s this season. The winger has scored 12 goals including five in United U18’s run to the FA Youth Cup final.

He earned a call-up to the senior Argentina squad in March having previously represented Spain – the country of his birth – at youth level. In the latest landmark of his eye-catching development, Garnacho earned a place in the matchday squad as the Canaries visited Old Trafford, although he was not called on in United’s 3-2 victory.

Rangnick hailed the youngster as “one of the most promising players” in a glowing verdict ahead of the match and pledged that he will soon be rewarded with regular first-team minutes. “He has been training with us the last two weeks and he is one of the most promising players,” the interim manager told MUTV of Garnacho.

“He is only 17, but if he keeps his feet on the ground, he will not only be sitting on the bench but will be playing for this club.” Despite his lavish praise for Garnacho, Rangnick insisted he will not demand too much too soon from United’s latest emerging talent, especially as the Red Devils are struggling in the hotly-contested race for a top-four finish.