Can Garnacho break the mould? Argentina's Old Trafford curse

Alejandro Garnacho's return to the Manchester United squad has sparked renewed interest in the club's history of Argentine players. While some have thrived at Old Trafford, many others have struggled to make a lasting impact. As Garnacho navigates his own path at the club, it's worth examining the challenges faced by his compatriots and the factors that have contributed to their mixed fortunes.

The weight of history and expectation can be overwhelming for any player joining Manchester United, but it's perhaps even more pronounced for Argentines. The rivalry between Argentina and England, particularly since the 1986 World Cup, has created a unique dynamic that can impact the way Argentine players are perceived and treated by fans and the media.

Carlos Tevez and Juan Sebastián Verón are two notable examples of Argentine players who struggled to fulfill their potential at Old Trafford. Both arrived with high expectations but ultimately left the club under a cloud. Verón, in particular, has spoken openly about his regrets over leaving United, admitting that he should have stayed and fought for his place in the team.

"There are very few things I regret, and one of them is leaving Manchester. They never pushed me out or told me to leave, they gave me the chance. I had spoken with my former teammates at the time telling me I had to stay. And at that moment you decide to leave because you want to play, because you don't see it, but I should have stayed," Verón said in an interview with 90 Min.

Tevez, on the other hand, left United for Manchester City after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson. The Argentine striker's move to City was a controversial one, and it highlighted the intense rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.

Garnacho, like Tevez and Verón before him, faces a unique set of challenges. He must not only prove himself on the pitch but also deal with the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The pressure to perform can be immense, and any mistakes are likely to be magnified.

Other Argentines at Manchester United

Lisandro Martínez, Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Ángel Di María, and Gabriel Heinze are just a few of the other Argentines who have worn the Manchester United shirt. While some, like Martínez and Romero, have enjoyed relative success, others have struggled to make a lasting impact.

The Future for Garnacho

The question is whether Garnacho can break the mold and become a long-term success at Manchester United. The early signs are promising, but he will need to be mentally strong to overcome the challenges that he will inevitably face.

With a new manager in place and a squad undergoing a period of transition, Garnacho has a real opportunity to make his mark. However, he must be careful to avoid the pitfalls that have tripped up so many of his compatriots before him.