INEOS showing no signs of stopping as United target 18yo midfield wizard compared with Bellingham and Pogba – report

With INEOS’ arrival, Manchester United have been focussing a lot on youth recruitment as seen from deals for Chido Obi and Sekou Kone last summer.

Signing young stars full of potential is not only meant for the academy but also for the first team as seen from Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven’s impressive introductions.

The co-owners are already revamping the scouting department and according to The Sun, the Red Devils are looking at a Serbian midfield wonderkid who has earned comparisons with Jude Bellingham and Paul Pogba.

Highly illustrious names but Partizan Belgrade midfielder Ognjen Ugresic certainly fits the bill, especially according to his agent Ostoja Stjepanovic.

Youth recruitment

He revealed that the 20-time English league champions have been regular attendees in the wonderkid’s matches while there is also growing interest from Serie A clubs.

But the agent also made it clear that the 18-year-old’s progress would be best served by staying for another season in Serbia and building up experience slowly instead of rushing into a big deal.

“I can confirm that the media reports are based on reality, there is interest in him from several sides. Not only Manchester United scouts are following his development, there are also teams from Serie A.

“However, it is too early for him to change his environment now, because in the coming seasons he should get the opportunity to play for Partizan and further develop and progress.”

The Serbia U19 international just broke through to the Partizan senior team this season, making eight appearances in which he has scored one goal while playing as both a central midfielder and even out wide.

For the youth sides, he has also played further forward, which explains the comparisons with both the England superstar and the former United man who are extremely versatile.

Ugresic on United’s radar

“His style is similar to Jude Bellingham or to some extent Paul Pogba. His technique is exceptional, but he also has speed, despite his height.

“He plays behind the strikers, has good vision, participates in actions, is intelligent. He has developed a lot under the leadership of Srdan Blagojevic, but he still needs time.

“We have been working together for three and a half years, I see huge potential in him. His parents and he made a lot of sacrifices to get to the Partizan first team, they travelled three hours by car and back every day to training.”

United scouts will surely keep a close eye on his progress and unlike what transpired with Bellingham, they will be keen not to lose out this time should they feel Ugresic is the perfect fit to play for the Old Trafford side.

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