Manchester United spent the summer transfer window not only looking to strengthen their squad in the present, but also to lay the foundations for a brighter future.
Goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk became the latest addition to the Red Devils’ youth ranks this week, the goalkeeper ‘buzzing’ to put pen to paper after his departure from Arsenal earlier in the off-season.
Graczyk should be joined at Carrington by another former Arsenal starlet in Chido Obi-Martin.
While Manchester United are yet to agree on a compensation fee with The Gunners, it feels only ‘a matter of time’ – to quote his Denmark youth boss – before last season’s U18 Premier League Golden Boot winner is signing on the dotted line.
Sekou Kone and Samuel Lusale also arrived before the window closed on August 30th.
And with the Red Devils belatedly looking to take advantage of the remarkable array of talent in the South American market too, their interest in River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono feels like another indicator of the club’s revamped, more long-term approach to the transfer market.
Manchester United eye Franco Mastantuono
Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, speaking to the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast when his minority takeover was approved, famously said that he wanted Old Trafford to be the destination for the ‘next’ Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Roy Keane.
But how about the next Angel di Maria?
While even a mention of the unpopular Argentine will send a shiver down the spine of United fans, even the most ardent member of the anti-Angel club would have to accept that Di Maria – his ill-fated spell in England aside – is one of the most successful and talented wingers of the modern era.
Mastantuono’s skill, creativity, elegance and natural left-footedness have drawn rather inevitable comparisons with the 2022 World Cup winner.
Man United, meanwhile, have been mentioned in conjunction with the teenager on numerous occasions throughout 2024. Most recently by Spanish publication Marca last week.
Now, Real Madrid appear to be in pole position as things stand. But it’s not long since the media were saying similar about Leny Yoro.
And the sight of Man United snapping up arguably Europe’s best young centre-half from under the noses of the European Champions will give the Red Devils some confidence that history can be repeated.
Especially with Mastantuono opening up on his love of the Premier League during an interview with Ole in his native Argentina.
Another Real Madrid battle after Leny Yoro swoop
“Today, I am 100 per cent here at River. We have something very important ahead of us like the Cup and next year there is the Club World Cup, which is also a dream for me. I don’t think about (the rumours),” Mastantuono begins.
“(But) I like watching a lot of European football. Especially the Premier League, which is very entertaining.”
Mastantuono does admit that he is also a fan of Spain’s La Liga.
But, as a left-footed right winger who likes to cut in from the flank, Real Madrid would certainly be a risky move for a 17-year-old who would find himself competing with Rodrygo Goes, Ernesto Valverde and fellow youngster Arda Guler.
With three goals and two assists to show from an impressive breakout campaign at River Plate, Mastantuono has also been likened to Barcelona whizzkid Yamine Lamal.
He has a £38 million release clause in his River contract. Diario Sport, however, believe that a deal could be done for closer to £17 million.
Read more: Who is Franco Mastantuono? Man Utd join race to sign highly-rated River Plate star
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
