Manchester United’s search for the ideal midfield additions this summer should look no further than the star of the midfield battle between Brazil and Morocco.
It was the most star-studded clash of the 2026 World Cup so far as Brazil met AFCON holders Morocco at the MetLife Stadium.
Manchester United had three players on the pitch across both sides in Casemiro and Matheus Cunha for Brazil and Noussair Mazraoui, but Jason Wilcox was surely watching for another reason.
That is because the solution to his midfield headache was staring him in the face and running rings around Casemiro for Morocco.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi shines for Morocco vs Brazil
United had three players on the pitch, one on the bench and there was also potentially a future Red Devils star on the pitch in the form of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
United have been linked with Bouaddi for over 12 months, with Sir Alex Ferguson even reported to be playing a role in trying to convince him to move to Old Trafford.
But Saturday night saw Bouaddi go mainstream as he bossed the midfield against Brazil.
Bouaddi played the entire game, making 86 touches and he made them count.
The young Moroccan dictated play in midfield, completing 91% of his passes (60/66), with 23 carries totalling 196.5 metres and three dribbles.
Defensively, Bouaddi was a demon up against two really physical midfielders in Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
He made six defensive contributions, won one tackle, six recoveries and nine duels won out of 13 attempts. He covered a lot of ground and quickly, ticking every box United are looking for this summer.
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Bouaddi should rocket up Manchester United’s midfield priority list
While United’s midfield shortlist has been narrowed, Bouaddi needs to be added on there as one of the two signed from him, Mateus Fernandes, Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba.
Bouaddi at 18 looks like the generational talent that he has the potential to be, and it was his coming out party on the world stage.
United really like Bouaddi and would have to spend over the £51m spent on Leny Yoro if he was to be signed and it would be a superb coup for the club.
After his performance against Brazil, he is no longer just a talent, he has arrived and is certain to have suitors this summer.
If United want Bouaddi, a move is going to need to happen this summer, otherwise he will likely be gone to another big club from Lille.
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