Man Utd must pay £38m for wonderkid, he could reach incredible heights at 2026 World Cup

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Manchester United are believed to be in the race for one of the brightest stars coming out of Argentina this summer.

There has been a clear emphasis put on signing the best young talent since Ineos took control of football operations at Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his chosen chiefs have identified the need to fill the first-team squad with talented players who have bright futures.

That way, hopefully, United can enjoy long-term success. There’s a chance to win the Europa League this season, which would secure Champions League qualification in a season that will see United finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table. It would be undeserved in the eyes of many.

While United fans don’t care about what outsiders think, qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition would see United gain more spending power in the transfer market. The club would also become a more appealing destination for new signings across the globe.

Manchester United must pay £38m required to sign Franco Mastantuono

It has been widely reported in recent months that Manchester United are closely monitoring River Plate teenager Franco Mastantuono.

The latest talent to emerge from River Plate has also been attracting attention from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan.

A new report from Sport claims Real Madrid have reignited their efforts to sign the Argentine prodigy. The same article suggests that Mastantuono’s agents are currently in Madrid for talks over a potential move.

Mastantuono, 18, became the youngest scorer in the club’s history when he netted in an Argentinian Cup win over Excursionistas in February 2024 at just 16 years and five months. The previous record was held by Javier Saviola.

Preferring to play on the right flank, Mastatuono has been compared to Man City’s Phil Foden and could see his value dramatically rise after the 2026 World Cup in the USA.

Mastantuono will attract attention from the national team if he continues to perform at the level he has shown this season. If that were to happen and he made the World Cup squad, his value would rise.

The World Cup comes at a time when Mastantuono could be set to reach incredible heights, and United have an opportunity to get him now at a decent price, so long as they can see off competition from potential suitors.

The teenager has an Italian passport which means he could make the move to Europe before he turns 18 in August.

Mastantuono stats this season

River Plate are unwilling to negotiate a price below Mastantuono’s release clause, which means United could sign the young talent for £38m this summer.

It’s becoming clear that Mastantuono’s days at River Plate with the Argentine outfit set to cash in.

United need more creative players, especially in the final third, so it will be interesting to see if they will try to strike a deal with River Plate.