Manchester United scouts are extremely busy at the moment, covering youth tournaments worldwide, including the Under-17 AFCON zone B qualifying.
The recruitment net of Manchester United has been cast wide since the arrival of Ineos into the footballing department at Old Trafford.
This has already led to United signing Sekou Kone from FC Guidars in Mali for £1m in the summer of 2024 and then Diego Leon arriving for £3.2m from Cerro Porteno in Paraguay in 2025.
Already, United have agreed to sign Cristian Orozco for £750k from Fortaleza in Colombia, with the 17-year-old arriving in 2026.
However, United remain in the market for more young wonderkids from abroad.
Manchester United scouting the U17 AFCON zone B final
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire for United to sign stars of tomorrow sees youngsters being considered across the world.
United are scouting the U20 World Cup at the moment, with Mexico’s Gilberto Mora emerging as a talent worth keeping an eye on.
However, in addition to this, United in Focus understands via Graeme Bailey that scouts are expected to be present at the U17 AFCON zone B final this week, having watched the entire competition.
The focus of United’s trip is Ghana and the Ivory Coast, who played in the group stages – but they now meet in the final, which is later this week. Manchester United are one of only a few British clubs officially in attendance; also, there were Chelsea and Rangers.
United in Focus can now reveal that of real interest to United are believed to be players from both finalists.
For Ghana, United like 16-year-old defender Ernest Ofori, who plays for Great Somas. Meanwhile, the other is 14-year-old forward Robinho Yao Gavi, who plays for Hakla.
For the Ivory Coast, two forwards have caught their eye – Souhalio Bamba of ASEC, who is 15, and also Hubert Yao of San Pedro, again 15.
Impressively, Robinho Yao Gavi scored for Ghana in victory over Nigeria to reach the final, making him one to watch at just 14. United cannot sign these players officially until they turn 18, but work can be done in advance.
Manchester United’s four targets at AFCON U17 zone B
With these four youngsters of interest, who are they?
Ernest Ofori: 16-year-old midfielder and defender from Sefwi Akontombra in Ghana.
Robinho Yao Gavi: 14-year-old striker for Ghana with good finishing and physically strong for his age, as seen in the goal against Nigeria.
Souhalio Bamba: 15-year-old forward who is very skillful and is compared with Ousmane Dembele for his speed and dribbling.
Hubert Yao: 15-year-old defender.
We will provide updates on how the final goes and whether any of these players had a standout performance.
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