Man Utd in race to sign the ‘new jewel’ of Argentina, he could become Ruben Amorim’s favourite

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Ineos’ summer transfer window plans are formulating and right now it is lining up to be youth-heavy for Manchester United.

This should come as no surprise, with signing the globe’s hottest young talents is all part of Ineos‘ master plan to return Manchester United to the top.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants United to sign the next Kylian Mbappe – opposed to breaking the bank on the Frenchman or other world-class footballers in their prime.

We have already seen this in action with Ineos investing heavily into United’s academy, with moves to sign the likes of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal already looking wise.

Manchester United signings U21 with Ineos

• Leny Yoro – £52m
• Chido Obi – Free
• Sekou Kone – £1m
• Ayden Heaven – £1.5m
• Diego Leon – £7m
• Patrick Dorgu – £25m
• Samuel Lusale – Free
• James Overy – Free
• Dante Plunkett – Free

Unlike years past, United are also willing to sign players outside of Europe. Sekou Kone joined from Guidars FC in Mali, with his performances already making the £1m fee look like a bargain.

Kone was one of the United academy players on Ruben Amorim’s bench last weekend. Meanwhile, the recruitment team have dipped their toes into the South American market, as United agreed to sign Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.

READ: Who is Diego Leon, Man Utd to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan as Ineos add to youth dynasty

Manchester United back in the race for Franco Mastantuono

So with the work United have already done to bolster the ranks at youth level, it is hardly a shock that Ineos are looking for further wonderkid signings.

Now, it is being reported by the Italian outlet, Inter Live, that United remain firmly interested in signing Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, amid interest from Inter Milan and Man City.

• READ: Who is Franco Mastantuono? Man Utd join race to sign highly-rated River Plate star

The Italian outlet claims that Mastantuono likes Inter, but the Italian side are hesitant considering the River Plate youngster has a £33m release clause.

It is explained that both Manchester clubs are still considering making their move to sign the talented attacker with Inter thinking River may be tempted by a measly £12m offer. Real Madrid were favourites to sign Mastantuono, but now this has flipped.

This comes months after United were said to be leading the race for Mastantuono.

At just 17, Mastantuono is seen as the ‘new jewel’ of Argentinian football by Mundo Albiceleste, while his qualities are also similar to an Amorim favourite.

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

Franco Mastantuono can be Ruben Amorim’s new Francisco Trincao

Mastantuono is an attacking midfielder, and in terms of his qualities, he resembles Francisco Trincao who Amorim adored at Sporting.

Amorim is thought to be a big fan of Trincao, as he often showered the Portuguese winger with praise. After one win for Sporting this season, Amorim declared Trincao the cause of victory when speaking to Sporting club media.

“Nobody is happy watching games like this, especially the fans, but these are strategies that exist and I also understand the difference. Playing against lines of six are difficult, but it was Trincão’s inspiration that unlocked the game”.

It is clear when compared that the two are similar players – and therefore if Mastantuono is signed he could very well become a favourite for Amorim.