Cesc Fabregas hints Manchester United could make move for ‘fantastic’ wonderkid, one issue for Ineos

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Manchester United’s list of summer targets is an exhaustive who’s who of the world’s most impressive talents.

It is part of Ineos‘ strategy for recruitment to sign players with high potential for the future but also the talents must be ready to make the step up immediately.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe outlined this plan to sign the ‘next Kylian Mbappe’ opposed to the current expensive players who Manchester United spent years signing unsuccessfully.

This came with Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold making all the big decisions, two figures Ratcliffe has slammed in recent months for their role in destroying United.

So to shake this, United have been investing in underpriced players who could be playing at much higher levels sich as Noussair Mazraoui, or alternatively young talents of which there have been several examples.

So now, as the Como boss mentions United in discussing one of his star players, it’s worth recognising it is a deal fitting United’s plans.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Cesc Fabregas name drops Manchester United in Assane Diao talk

In Italy, 19-year-old Assane Diao has been developing into a very exciting prospect lately under the management of Cesc Fabregas.

United have been linked with Diao as recently as last month, as he is viewed as one of Serie A’s biggest talents.

Now, while discussing Diao’s future on Sport Italia, Fabregas has mentioned the asking price but also questioned whether the player would even leave Como.

“We are trying to go for young, talented players who were not playing: they do well here and obviously, their value increases.

“There is no mentality of speculating and selling, they come here to grow and improve the team.

“Then obviously, Manchester [United] can come and ask for Diao by offering 40 million, but it is not a given that he will leave. The objective is to create a path with players who are functional to the characteristics, working with them.

“Obviously, the value increases, but the important thing is that they are the right players for us.“

Fabregas is not convinced United would be able to draw Diao away from Como, and he may very well be right.

Manchester United might be the wrong move for Diao

Diao has been a United target since 2023, however, the prospect of signing him this summer is less than exciting, despite being lauded as ‘fantastic‘ during his time with Como so far.

There is no doubting his ability with eight goals and four assists this season across all competitions for Real Betis and then Como. However, we would question where he fits into Amorim’s side.

Diao is very much more of a traditional winger, capable of beating defenders, which is not what Amorim wants from his attackers, as seen with how he shipped Marcus Rashford and Antony out.

Due to this, Diao would likely be a wing-back for United, a role he is unlikely to want, and so may be best following Fabregas’ advice by remaining at Como beyond this summer.