Under INEOS, Manchester United always seem to be on the lookout for the best young talents in the world instead of only acquiring ageing superstars looking for one last payday.
The signing of Benjamin Sesko, and Diego Leon are the perfect examples. And the Red Devils plan to continue to do this moving forwards.
Up top, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to depart, while academy wonderkid Ethan Wheatley has already left on loan. That means Sesko’s understudy for the new campaign is expected to be Chido Obi.
United seem to have their eyes on another young striker prodigy, this time from Brazil — Internacional’s Ricardo Mathias.
Ricardo Mathias interest
As per Globo Esporte, the 20-time English league champions sent their scout to watch the 19-year-old in action on Wednesday.
They are not the only ones interested in the prodigy, with another unnamed English side along with PSV Eindhoven are also in the race.
“While seeking more space under Roger Machado at Inter, Ricardo Mathias is attracting attention in European football, specifically in England. Two clubs are watching him. One of them is Manchester United.
“Manchester United sent an emissary to observe him during Inter’s 1-1 draw with Fluminense on Wednesday, which resulted in elimination from the Copa do Brasil.
“Alexandre Torres, former Fluminense and Vasco player and son of Carlos Alberto Torres, known as Capita, was at Maracanã to see the 19-year-old’s performance firsthand.
Scouting mission
“Another Premier League club, which has been kept confidential, has already sent a letter of intent to show interest in the number 49.
“Before the English interest, the center forward was targeted by PSV from the Netherlands and two foreign groups operating in Brazil. However, the talks failed.”
Despite being only 19, the Brazil U20 international already has 17 senior appearances under his belt and has registered three goals for the first team.
He has a relatively modest value of €4 million on Transfermarkt even though his parent club are likely to ask for much more, given United’s interest.
Feature image Ernesto Ryan via Getty Images
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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
