Man Utd scouts watching Loukman Tapsoba at U17 World Cup, but they won’t have been impressed

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Manchester United scouts are at the U17 World Cup this month, and Loukman Tapsoba is unsurprisingly one of the most sought-after talents.

Ineos‘ focus on youth recruitment looks set to continue with the U17 World Cup in Qatar a big opportunity to scout elite prospects.

Manchester United youngster Bendito Mantato has been in action at the tournament. While United’s future signing Cristian Orozco caught the eye in Colombia’s opening game against Germany.

However, beyond current Old Trafford prospects, United also have a long list of talents to scout, with Burkina Faso 15-year-old considered a player absolutely worth watching.

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Manchester United one of over 30 clubs scouting Loukman Tapsoba

United in Focus exclusively revealed that United showed an interest in Tapsoba at the U17 AFCON earlier this year, and now this has continued at the U17 World Cup.

This is due to the 15-year-old being an elite scorer playing above his age. United in Focus now understands that Tapsoba has had the most club scouts at the tournament watching him, as Burkina Faso opened their campaign against the USA.

Graeme Bailey explained to United in Focus that the striker is the main reason for scouts being at that particular game.

“From what I am being told, this tournament has attracted more clubs, scouts, and agents than any youth tournament in history.

“And from the first round of games, we know United were watching Tapsoba, but they were not alone; over 30 clubs were in attendance, I am told.

“Obviously, it was not just Tapsoba, but he was the main reason, I am told.”

Prior to the tournament, we revealed that Tapsoba had the likes of City Group, Blue Co, Barcelona, and United all watching, and it now seems this list is even longer.

How did Loukman Tapsoba perform as Manchester United scouts were watching

Tapsoba lined up as a striker for Burkina Faso against a strong USA team with big centre-backs who are two years his senior.

However, despite all the clubs there to watch him, the performance left much to be desired as he struggled to get into the game and impact it.

• 90 minutes
• 2 shots
• 1 big chance missed
• 9/13 passes completed
• 20 touches
• 0/3 duels won
• 2/5 aerial duels won

Tapsoba tried a trademark half-way line shot on one occasion, but it sailed hopelessly wide of the USA goal.

This wasn’t the showing Tapsoba will have wanted, nor the one he is ultimately capable of, and a 5.8 match rating on SofaScore showcases how poor it was.

Burkina Faso now takes on the Czech Republic and Tajikistan during the remainder of the group stage, which are games where Tapsoba will be much more likely to shine as the playing field is more even between the teams.