Manchester United are not wasting any time identifying its targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
We are approaching the end of a turbulent season for Manchester United.
While the Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the Premier League, Ruben Amorim’s side still have something to play for in Europe.
United reached the Europa League semi-finals after eliminating Lyon and will now prepare to face Athletic Club, with the first leg taking place in Spain next Thursday.
A dire league position means that the Europa League is United’s only route back into the Champions League. That would enhance Ineos’ spending power, with targets already emerging ahead of the summer transfer window.
There are strong suggestions that United want to sign Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, with the Premier League duo available once their release clauses are activated.
That shows that the focus this summer will be on strengthening United’s attack, but United fans could see more than two attack-minded additions.
Manchester United must wait for Franco Mastanuono
River Plate starlet Franco Mastantuono has been on United’s radar for some time.
Recent reports suggest United were showing more interest in Mastantuono than any other club, despite his links to Real Madrid.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of the most prominent talents in South America, registering 12 goal contributions in 54 matches for River Plate.
Mastantuono has a release clause worth £38.5m and has been heavily tipped for a move to Europe this summer.
However, due to his age, United must wait if they are genuinely interested in signing Mastantuono.
That is because United – or any other potential suitor from Europe – must wait until he turns 18 on August 14 before he can make the move.
FIFA regulations mean that Mastantuono could be officially announced as a new signing before his 18th birthday, but he would have to wait until then before he can move to Europe.
United have yet to reach an agreement with River Plate for his signature, however, they could strike a deal similar to the one that saw Diego Leon sign from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.
The Reds negotiated a £4.7m deal with Cerro Porento for the left wing-back, who is expected to arrive at the club at the end of the season once he turns 18.
Franco Mastantuono stats this season
It bodes well that United are targeting the most promising talents in South America because it felt like the club were guilty of overlooking that market.
Other Premier League others – like Man City and Chelsea – have recruited successfully in the South American market, so it was only a matter of time before United got on board.
Ineos have every reason to be impressed by Mastantuono’s form for River Plate this season, with the versatile attacker registering five goal contributions in 12 matches.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 12 | 3 | 2 |
Mastanuono could make the move to Europe this summer but only time will tell if United will be in the race for his signature.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
