Manchester United are looking to bolster attacking options this summer, and while Matheus Cunha is priority number one, wonderkids are also being considered.
This summer will be a busy one for Manchester United, with Ineos planning to completely overhaul the squad, which is widely seen as the worst in recent club history.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly backing Ruben Amorim to succeed at the club, this summer will be the part-owners’ big opportunity to prove his words can be matched by actions.
It has been suggested United could allow as many as 10 players to leave the club this summer. These drastic measures are more than justified after the campaign which has just been struggled through and will allow some serious additions to be made.
The number 10 position is one of the most important this summer for Amorim, and already United are advancing in plans to sign Matheus Cunha.
However, now United are looking at adding Argentine wonderkid and River Plate’s youngest ever scorer, Franco Mastantuono, to the ranks.
Manchester United can repeat Leny Yoro coup with Franco Mastantuono
Last summer, United signed Leny Yoro from the jaws of Real Madrid, with the generational defender being looked at as a tremendous coup by the club. United left Madrid shocked with the signing of Yoro, and there is a chance to repeat it this summer.
This summer and it could be Mastantuono who arrives under similar circumstances. United are thought to be considering a swoop for Mastantuono, with his £38m release clause looking like a potential bargain if he reaches his tremendous potential.
United are set for a battle with both Chelsea and Real Madrid for his signature, according to the Daily Mail. While very reliable Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has claimed United lead the race to sign Mastantuono.
Of the three, United can offer Mastantuono the clearest route, with Chelsea stockpiling young forwards without any real plan, and Madrid is set for years with their front-line.
United winning this race would be a huge testament to the project Ineos are building, but it would also show a commitment to signing stars of tomorrow.
Similarly to Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, United signing Mastantuono would be on top of a player like Cunha, who is ready to shine, giving the 17-year-old time to settle into the club.
Where Franco Mastantuono fits in for Manchester United
It would be crazy to think Mastantuono would join United and become an overnight sensation for the club, instead, he will be a project similar to Yoro in the first couple of months before he finds his feet.
Mastantuono would ideally replicate what Endrick is doing for Real Madrid this season, playing sporadically with cameos, starts in the cup and so on.
With this in mind, Mastantuono could very easily be an option for United in the right number 10 role, rotating with Amad Diallo or Kobbie Mainoo.
Some may complain that he won’t be a starter, but for years, United have lacked squad options, and so having potentially generational talents like Mastantuono at their disposal to bed in gradually can only be a good thing.
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