Former England goalkeeper David James has given his opinion on Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho.
With the club expected to table a new offer to Garnacho, the Premier League veteran has discussed his thoughts surrounding the deal and young players’ colossal earnings.
Speaking in an in-depth interview with gaming and e-sports outlet GGRecon.com, James was asked his opinion on United’s breakthrough star.
The young Argentinian has made quite the impact this season, putting in man of the match performances and not looking out of place among United’s elite players.
But with Garnacho further bolstering his already burgeoning reputation, securing the player of the month for the Red Devils last month has seen the club eager to tie him down for the future.
It has been widely reported that in order to secure Garnacho’s future at the club, United are preparing a bumper six-year deal.
And with the 18 year olds wages looking set to increase from £5,000 to £50,000 per week, a 900% increase has set tongues wagging.
James, who appeared at three World Cups with England, was asked if he believes a negative impact can come with such a huge increase in wages at such a tender age.
“The fact that Garnacho is an 18-year-old and reportedly on £5,000-a-week, then if he was going to be corrupted, then £5,000-a-week would have already corrupted him. That’s not to say that £50,000-a-week isn’t going to put him in a different place, but if he was going to be corrupted, then it would have happened already”, explained the 53 times capped James.
“I don’t think many people know an 18-year-old that’s earning over a quarter of a million pounds a year. If he’s made his way into the Manchester United first-team, then the ingredients of a quality player are already there. I hope he has a lot of good people around him advising him on what to do with that extra £45,000-a-week. Providing that he does have the right people advising him, then that allows him to concentrate on his football”, the 52 year old went on to explain.
“If he is money driven, then £50,000-a-week may mean that he’ll soon want £100,000-a-week, which in that case will drive him on to play better. If he was on £500-a-week and then suddenly went to £50,000-a-week, then you may have a problem, but he’s a young player, earning a large sum of money already and still producing good football”, said England’s three-times World Cup appearance maker.
James also touched on Marcus Rashford’s performances so far in Qatar, stating that his progression is something he’s been watching.
“When he came on against Iran I saw a hungry, capable player, which I’ve seen him be for Manchester United this season”, added the former Liverpool and Manchester City man.
Garnacho however narrowly missed out on a spot in this years World Cup squad with Argentina.
The teenage sensation will be looking to further impress as the team heads to Spain for a friendly double header, starting tomorrow against Cadiz.
