United lead the race for this 17yo wonderkid, he emerged as Argentina’s hero in the U17 World Cup – report

Manchester United are keeping a close watch on the U17 World Cup to unearth the next diamond in the rough. And as per TBR Football, Red Devils Director of Football Jason Wilcox has already found the perfect fit for INEOS’ youth project. Argentina’s 17-year-old Felipe Esquivel has caught United’s eye following his incredible showing off the bench against Belgium U17s in the U17 World Cup. In only 34 minutes, the River Plate academy product turned the game on its head with a match-winning display, which included providing the assist for the equaliser while also scoring the winner. Felipe Esquivel, what an impact off the bench Argentina U17s ended up winning the contest 3-2, and multiple clubs were left impressed with what they saw from the right winger. Apart from the goal and assist, Felipe Esquivel also made one key pass while winning all of his aerial duels (all stats via sofascore). Stat CategoryValue Goals1 Assists1 Total Shots1 Shots on Target1 Shots Blocked0 Touches15 Unsuccessful Touches2 Dribbles (Successful)2 (0) Possession Lost6 Key Passes1 Crosses (Accurate)0 (0) Accurate Passes5 / 7 (71%) Passes in Opposition Half (Accurate)4 / 6 (67%) Passes in Own Half (Accurate)1 / 1 (100%) Tackles (Won)0 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked Shots0 Ground Duels (Won)2 (0) Aerial Duels (Won)2 (2) Dribbled Past0 “TBR Football understands Manchester United are on the trail of Felipe Esquivel, the Argentine who stole the show on the opening day of the U-17 World Cup finals in Qatar. “The teenager came off the bench in their opening game against Belgium to fire home a brilliant winner, as Argentina came from behind to win 3-2. “Manchester United were one of a host of clubs present at the Aspire Zone in Doha on Monday to witness the 3-2 win for Argentina, sources have told TBR Football. United have been watching for a while now “BlueCo, City Group, Red Bull, Brighton and Hove Albion, Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco were also believed to have been in attendance. “United through Jason Wilcox are working hard on their youth ranks and making sure they don’t miss out. Esquivel is one they like and have been following for a little while now.” Interestingly, the Barranqueras-born attacker is yet to make his debut for the River Plate senior team but the Argentine giants know they have a gem on their hands. Which is why River made Esquivel sign a new three-year deal before leaving for Doha. The new contract includes a release clause in the region of £88 million. If he keeps this form up, a move to Old Trafford beckons. Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25