Manchester United to blow rivals out of the water with their first bid for Franco Mastantuono | OneFootball

Manchester United are a force to be reckoned with again when it comes to youth recruitment since INEOS took charge.

Last summer, the Red Devils agreed a deal with Arsenal for Chido Obi while also beating off competition from Barcelona and Ajax to land Sekou Kone.

The co-owners are revamping the scouting department, and have asked global scouts to focus on the South American market, which has already yielded results in the form of a January deal for Diego Leon.

As per recent reports, the 20-time English league champions are in pole position for Franco Mastantuono, dubbed “the next Messi“, and are even ready to pay his release clause in full.

Franco Mastantuono race heating up

River do not want to lose the 17-year-old and have informed suitors that they plan to keep him at least till the end of 2025 while there are rumours that contract extension talks could also take place.

As per Calciomercato, AC Milan were frontrunners at one stage while other global giants are eagerly monitoring proceedings with Real Madrid especially keen on the 17-year-old.

But disagreements have taken place between Real and the wonderkid’s agents which has allowed United to sneak infront, a position they have since consolidated.

Now, the Old Trafford side could blow their rivals out of the water as they plan to submit their offer in the next few days, which could prove pivotal in this long-running saga.

“The big clubs in Europe are following Mastantuono but the only certainty is that for a transfer abroad we will have to wait at least until August 14, the day of his 18th birthday.

United to submit first offer

“In Italy, Franco has several admirers with Milan at the forefront: the left-footed River Plate player is very popular with the Rossoneri club. And who knows, maybe with the arrival of the new sporting director Milan will start to get serious.

“Manchester United in pole as Real Madrid have left the race for Mastantuono, at least for the moment. The Blancos seemed to be the best-positioned club in the race for the 2007 Argentine but something hasn’t gone right in the relationship with the agent.

“A space in which Manchester United has inserted themselves well, ready to make an offer within a few days to block one of the most important emerging talents in Argentine football.”

It will be interesting to keep an eye on this transfer saga which looks like it will continue for some more time. Hopefully, INEOS can show the world they mean business again.

Feature image Marcelo Endelli via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social