Manchester United “ready” to move forward with January 2025 signing that fits INEOS’ model

Manchester United are reportedly ready to move forward with a January signing that fits INEOS’ new model at the club.

In the 2024 summer transfer window, Manchester United made considerable efforts to strengthen their squad under Erik ten Hag, bringing in five new first-team players: Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte. These acquisitions were designed to enhance the team’s depth and competitiveness.

To facilitate these new signings, the club sanctioned several high-profile departures, raising over £120 million through sales, which included notable names like Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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While these moves reflect a proactive approach, many supporters believe that further reinforcements are necessary to address the squad’s needs fully.

As a result, Manchester United is already strategizing for the 2025 transfer windows, aiming to secure additional talent for the upcoming season.

Looking toward Argentina

According to information from various sources relayed by Sport Witness, United are looking towards the South American leagues for talent and have been following 17-year-old River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono.

The report states that the club have been monitoring the Argentina U20 international “very closely for several years” and have been delighted with his performances since he was in River Plate’s academy.

The young star has already played 34 times for River Plate’s senior team, scoring four goals and providing two assists. With Mastantuono on the radar of many European sides, United are reportedly ready to secure his services in January.

However, as Mastantuono does not turn 18 until August 2025, he will not be able to make the switch until then—but, just as Real Madrid previously did with Brazilian striker Endrick, they can strike a deal where he will join the club then.

Following the INEOS model

The potential signing of Mastantuono is very much in line with the model INEOS are trying to create at Old Trafford.

Although the club spent money on five first-team signings, they also invested plenty in academy signings, with Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin, Samuel Lusale, and James Overy all joining in the summer.

The idea is that the club can snap up high-level talent at a young age for a comparatively low cost, compared to signing them three or four years later for a much greater fee.

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