You can’t win them all in the transfer window but Manchester United are set to miss out on a big one for a wonderkid who’s now making his ‘dream’ move.
After signing Matheus Cunha and being embroiled in a serious chase for Bryan Mbeumo, the key detail that separates Ineos from their predecessors is going under the radar.
Arguably the biggest success story in terms of transfer for them so far has been their youth captures.
Chido Obi has world-class potential while Ayden Heaven has surpassed all expectations to immediately become a first-team fixture.
Unfortunately, United’s chance to add to this list has now ended after missing out on South American football’s crown jewel.
Man Utd to miss out on Franco Mastantuono
United can look back at their last two transfer windows with great pride since they got their hands on some players who were the subject of interest from some true elite clubs.
The likes of AC Milan were beaten to Joshua Zirkzee, it seemed like half of Europe was after Obi and United gazumping Real Madrid for Leny Yoro was the headline example.
Their hot streak is set to come to an end with Franco Mastantuono’s decision, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The Argentine wonderkid from River Plate has decided to join Real Madrid for his ‘dream move’, with personal terms already in place.
Madrid have beaten out competition from United and, more concretely, Paris Saint-Germain, for a player who has been tipped for greatness.
Man Utd have other priorities in transfer window
As unfortunate as this news is, the truth is that Mastantuono is already good enough to not be a “low-risk punt” like Heaven or Obi.
River Plate would have asked for a big fee for the player and that comes with expectations of playing time, something which United can’t afford to give right now.
He will turn 18 in August and while United do need a left-footed option to play behind the striker – his ideal position – they need a more “sure” name.
That’s why they’ve chased Bryan Mbeumo as a player who can come in and make an immediate impact.
Madrid, on the other hand, can afford to have a project player in that position because their first team is already in place for the long-term
Unlike Heaven and Obi, who could be sold a long-term project, Mastantuono had options to play first-team football immediately, which United could not offer at this stage of their project.
It’s definitely a loss because Mastantuono has world-class potential, but United have made a wise choice to not push for him like they did with Yoro.
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