Jadon Sancho's message to Alejandro Garnacho speaks volumes ahead of Man Utd battle

Alejandro Garnacho looks set to be Jadon Sancho's primary competition for minutes if the latter surprisingly remains at Manchester United beyond the summer. But instead of drawing battle lines ahead of next season, Sancho has sent Garnacho support after he celebrated the latest major trophy of his young career on Monday morning.

The 20-year-old winger was part of the Argentina squad that defended their Copa America crown this summer, beating Colombia 1-0 in extra-time of a hard-fought final.

Garnacho's latest success followed his significant contribution to United's 13th FA Cup triumph, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

After establishing himself as a first-team player in Erik ten Hag's first season, he cemented his status as a crucial part of his plans last term.

Garnacho made 50 appearances in all competitions - a tally solely bettered by Andre Onana's 51 - and started United's last 38 games.

Ten Hag's decision to shift him onto the right wing, with Marcus Rashford regularly playing on the left, proved to be a masterstroke.

It helped cover the loss of Sancho, who featured just three times before he was exiled for sparking a public spat over his exclusion from the trip to Arsenal on September 3.

The 24-year-old effectively called Ten Hag a liar for claiming he was absent from the 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium due to poor training performances.

A four-month banishment from first-team training followed his refusal to apologise before he returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the second half of last season.

Meanwhile, Garnacho became Ten Hag's first-choice right winger, with Antony and Amad Diallo providing competition lower down the pecking order.

Sancho faces an almighty fight to return to the Dutchman's thinking and challenge Garnacho for regular game time.

But there is clearly no friction between the two players after Sancho's response to the United No. 17's Instagram post celebrating his Copa America win.

Garnacho, who only played in one match at the tournament, posted an image of him holding the trophy, captioned: "The Champions of America!"

Sancho commented with a love heart eyes emoji and a crossed fingers emoji, sending respect and love to his attacking team-mate.

He made a surprise return to training at Carrington last week and United claim he will play a full part in pre-season.

Ten Hag has confirmed that the pair have "drawn the line" under their row, stating: "Manchester United needs good players and Jadon is a good player."

After helping the Bundesliga giants reach the Champions League final, Sancho was expected to seal a permanent transfer.

While he still could leave if a suitable offer to boost INEOS' budget arrives, the probability of an Old Trafford stay has risen.