Ruben Amorim is on the lookout for creative midfielders capable of supplying the strikers with chances inside the box after seeing Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles this season.
The Manchester United No 9 has been shocking but he can point to the lack of service, which the head coach is keen to fix. But INEOS might not be in a position to pay big money given their financial constraints and are on the lookout for players with potential to grow.
The co-owners have already informed scouts to scour the South American market for talents and Diego Leon is one talent whose signature has already been secured.
More could be on the way in the summer with The Sun claiming the Red Devils are looking to trigger Franco Mastantuono’s release clause.
United ready to sign Argentine wonderkid
The Argentine, whose silky skills and recent wondergoal has earned comparisons with Lionel Messi, is on the radar of almost all of Europe’s elite clubs.
Franco Mastantuono. Fíchese.pic.twitter.com/oTXNb44vwn
— Atlético Stats (@atletico_stats_) April 18, 2025
And the only way for United to win is if they trigger his £38 million release clause. He is expected to enter the mainstream with River Plate’s participation in the upcoming Club World Cup and United want to get the deal done as quickly as possible to avoid the chances of a potential hijack.
“River Plate teenager Franco Mastantuono is being closely monitored by the Old Trafford side as they look for a summer re-boot.
“And United are understood to be considering meeting the £38m release clause in his contract to land a player who is set to have a global stage this summer when he features for River Plate in Fifa’s new expanded Club World Cup.
Release clause to be triggered
“But United may have to get in quick as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also on the trail of the 17-year-old starlet.”
The Argentina U20 international has three goals and two assists for River Plate this season, while he created history last season by becoming the youngest scorer in the club’s history by scoring his first senior goal at the age of just 16 years and five months – beating the record held by Javier Saviola.
United had the chance to land him in January but Ruben Amorim opted for a wait-and-watch policy but it seems he has now done enough to win over the Portuguese tactician.
Mastantuono can play behind the striker and even out wide and hopefully INEOS can continue the recent trend of signing some of the world’s best young stars as seen from deals for Leny Yoro and Chido Obi.
Feature image Marcelo Endelli via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
