Manchester United are prioritising a move for one extremely talented teenager this summer who they believe is generational.
There is no questioning that the upcoming summer transfer window is going to be important for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s squad is in desperate need of reinforcements in various areas of the pitch and departing players are also needing to be replaced.
However, fans should not be expecting the extravagant signings of the past – an Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez or Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Instead, it has become clear that the new INEOS-led regime are looking to build a young and exciting squad with the potential for key players to improve in the coming years.
Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven – the club’s two January signings – are both examples of how United are approaching recruitment for Amorim’s squad.
United prioritising “generational” Rigg signing
In order for such a youth-focused approach to work, United need to make sure they are signing some of the best talent in Europe with potential to become world class players.
One of the teenagers United are eyeing is Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg, who is considered one of the most exciting talents in the country.
Rigg is a central midfielder who has become a mainstay in the Championship side this season and is being chased by several big clubs in England.
However, while some of the other clubs are also looking to sign Norwegian talent Sverre Halseth Nypan, the Reds have their focus on Rigg.
Graeme Bailey has explained that the England youth star is the player United are prioritising over Nypan. This is because they see Rigg as a “generational” talent.
“Chris Rigg is their priority over Nypan,” Bailey explained on UnitedInFocus when asked about the club’s interest in the 17-year-old.
“They ‘love’ this player, they truly believe he is generational, potentially in the same class as Jude Bellingham, not putting pressure on him. But I firmly believe he is that good.
“A choice between Nypan and Rigg… Rigg every day of the week and an extra Bank Holiday – United failed when it came to Bellingham, they can’t do that with Rigg.”
Sunderland set £20m price tag for Rigg
One of the benefits of targeting these kind of gems is that they won’t cost a ridiculous amount of money for a United team that isn’t blessed with tons of cash at the moment.
According to the Sunderland Echo, the Championship side have set a price tag of around £20 million for Rigg, who is already looking like a well-rounded player.
“I want to master everything,” he said earlier this season.
“Yes, I am very serious about it. I want to be box-to-box and score goals. I like a tackle, and to defend. I get kicked but I can give it out too.”
Rigg is not the only talent from Sunderland that United are looking to sign in the summer, with Jobe Bellingham another player of interest at Old Trafford.
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