Clubs must always be wary of buying someone on the back of one international tournament, but some wonderkids in the World Cup 2026 are special.
Ineos have made a concerted effort to make the team younger and fitter by focusing on signing young players with a high ceiling.
The World Cup is the best place to scout them, because they will be tested against the best in the world in a high-stakes atmosphere.
Here are the five United must keep an eye on with a view to making a move in the future, including a record-breaking wonderkid.
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Diego Moreira – Belgium/Strasbourg
Man Utd are in the market for a 1v1 specialist out wide, and 21-year-old Diego Moreira fits the bill perfectly.
As a left-footed electric dribbler with bags of pace, Moreira can play on both wings, opening up tactical options for Michael Carrick.
Strasbourg are a selling club, so Moreira should be gettable, even after a good World Cup. He scored four and assisted six goals last season, primarily playing as inside forward off the right wing.
Bazoumana Toure – Hoffenheim/Ivory Coast
If there are concerns about playing Moreira on the left, then Bazoumana Toure is a godsend.
The 20-year-old is a rare breed of left-footed left winger who set the Bundesliga alight last season, scoring five and assisting 12 goals in the league.
He’s exactly the profile Carrick likes, as evidenced by how he uses Patrick Dorgu at Man Utd.
Yan Diomande has been linked to United, but after Carrick’s arrival, Toure is the no-brainer option. Agent Amad, get to work!
Marc Pubill – Atletico/Spain
Perhaps the most high-profile name on the list, but the fit is so seamless that it is impossible to leave out Pubill.
United’s interest in Pubill is real, and a good World Cup could accelerate it, even if Atletico are keen on renewing his contract.
As a 6’3″ defender who can play on the right as well, he has the physical profile and playing style to thrive in the league.
Even if he doesn’t move this summer, United should be all over him next summer. Getting called up for a strong Spanish team is an indicator of his talents.
Gilberto Mora – Tijuana/Mexico
Gilberto Mora has been talked about as a huge prospect for a while now, and United links have refused to go away.
By being called up for the Mexican team, Mora has broken the record for the youngest-ever Mexican player to be called up, set in 1930 by Manuel Rosas.
Mora is just 17, turning 18 in November, so January 2027 is the earliest he can join Old Trafford.
He is a nifty attacking midfielder who’s versatile enough to cover the left flank, from where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot.
Mora is a sleeper pick for the youngster who everyone knows by the end of the campaign.
Keisuke Goto – Anderlecht/Japan
Senne Lammens has set a good precedent for imports coming from the Belgian League, and United would do well to keep tabs on Japan’s 21-year-old striker, Keisuke Goto.
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Goto spent the last season on loan at St Truiden, scoring ten goals and assisting five, with a goal or assist coming every 208 minutes.
Standing at 6’3″, Goto is a physical centre-forward who also works hard off the ball, making him a nice plug-and-play piece in any team.
If he scores a few goals for Japan and returns to Anderlecht to be their main man, he could have a very interesting future.
United need to keep tabs to see how that future develops, in that case.
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