River Plate’s head coach has sent a clear message to Manchester United about their wonderkid Franco Mastantuono amid transfer interest.
Manchester United’s recruitment team is aiming to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad for next season by targeting young, dynamic talents.
Alongside experienced names like Matheus Cunha, who is expected to arrive with a proven track record at the highest level, United are also setting their sights on emerging prospects with the potential to flourish at Old Trafford.
This shift in strategy is evident through recent signings such as Sekou Kone, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, marking a departure from the club’s previous focus on older, high-earning players.
One of the most exciting young names linked to the club is Franco Mastantuono, a 17-year-old Argentine sensation currently playing for River Plate. Already a regular in the first team, Mastantuono has featured in several crucial matches in recent months.
With a £38 million release clause set to become active this summer, United are one of several elite European clubs showing strong interest in securing his signature.
River Plate coach sends United message about Mastantuono
Despite the strong interest from United, the Argentinian side have made their feelings clear on Mastantuono’s immediate future.
After the teenager scored a wonderful free-kick in a 2-1 win over rivals Boca Juniors, head coach Marcelo Gallardo stated that he will not be leaving anytime soon.
“We have to support him; he’s taking his first steps,” Gallardo told TN. “The markets are dynamic, and the financial power is strong.
“He’s a player who inspires enormous enthusiasm for his young age. He’s a kid who has his feet firmly on the ground, but it’s not a bad idea to feel he needs to keep growing.
“We want him to continue developing and growing as a footballer and as a person. That (his departure from the club) isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
“Franco isn’t River’s leader; he’s just another player who fits in and, with his free spirit, creates what he creates. That’s very valuable. He also embraces physical qualities that are very well-equipped for a 17-year-old.”
United will continue searching for young gems
It seems like Mastantuono will not be leaving for Europe until next year, with the January transfer window being a potential opportunity to pick him up.
Whether or not United will still be in the race for him at that point remains to be seen but it is certain that the club will continue to look for these young gems.
Read More: Ruben Amorim proven completely correct after Paul Scholes’ embarrassing analysis of Man Utd target
These are the kind of signings that United have not done enough of in recent years and we have seen a clear shift in the last 12 months.
While some experience also needs to be added to the squad, these young and exciting players can help turn things around at Old Trafford.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.