Over the years, there has been a long list of talented footballers that Manchester United have missed out on signing, with the list continuing to grow.
From Jude Bellingham to Erling Haaland and Moises Caicedo, if Manchester United had been able to sign all the top targets under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the club would have best in the world levels of quality.
There is a hope that Ineos’ commitment to signing wonderkids around the world will see United miss out on fewer talents going forward, trusting the scouts’ ability to find top-class talents.
However, there is another player who was linked with United as a 16-year-old who is now on his way to becoming world-class.
Manchester United were in the race to sign Estevao
There is a new kid on the block, shining in the Premier League and for his country. This is Brazilian and Chelsea talent Estevao.
Back in 2022, United rivalled Chelsea for Estevao, along with Real Madrid, before ultimately the Palmeiras winger was signed by the Blues for £29m.
The wonderkid was nicknamed ‘Messinho’ at the time, and since his arrival in England, Estevao has proven exactly why.
Despite being just 18, he is already shining for Chelsea in the toughest league in the world, scoring his first Premier League goal last time out against Liverpool.
Estevao has been among Chelsea’s top performers and is in the 98th percentile for successful dribbles per 90, demonstrating how exciting a player he is.
Estevao now starring for Brazil ahead of the World Cup
This week, Brazil beat South Korea 5-0, and front and centre of the win was Estevao as he scored two goals to establish himself as the Selecao’s main man alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
Estevao is now a guaranteed starter for Brazil, which comes seven months before the World Cup in North America is due to kick off, which could be the tournament that announces Chelsea’s star as world-class, all for just £29m.
While it was a steep fee for a 16-year-old, the biggest talent emerging from Brazil is often a good bet, and under Ineos, we would like to see United taking a leap of faith on the next Estevao-esque talent to emerge.
Next summer, Estevao could finally bring the World Cup back to Brazil after 24 years through Jogo Bonito.
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