Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s tactical system employs the use of two attacking midfielders alongside a solitary striker, instead of wingers as has been the case over the years.
As a result, both Marcus Rashford and Antony were shifted out in January as they do not fit with the Portuguese’s style while there are doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s long-term future as well.
With Christian Eriksen no longer able to affect the game as an attacking midfielder due to his advancing years, Amorim has been left with Bruno Fernandes as his only real No 10.
Which is why he is desperate for reinforcements but instead of a readymade star, INEOS will likely focus on signing someone young and with room to improve.
Amorim’s system utilises attacking midfielders
Unlike previous years, INEOS are ready to scour the South American market as well as seen from their recent deal to sign left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno next summer.
River Plate’s record-breaking wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is another target for the Red Devils with Amorim turning down the chance to sign him in January.
Amorim felt that the Argentine wonderkid’s progress had stalled which is why the club was ready to adopt a wait-and-watch policy.
But as per Inter Live, Inter Milan are ready to pounce for the 17-year-old, who has earned comparisons with Real Madrid superstar Federico Valverde, thereby alerting United who do not want to miss out.
The Argentina U20 international has a release clause of €40 million, which the Serie A giants do not want to pay. They are looking to agree a deal for €15 million, which gives United the chance to hijack the deal.
Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also admirers of Mastantuono, who had scored thrice and registered as many assists last term.
Mastantuono race on
“Franco Mastantuono is very much liked by Inter: the chances of completing the deal are increasing. According to what Interlive.it gathered, the Nerazzurri will make a concrete attempt through intermediaries, but they will have to enter a rather complicated situation regarding the boy’s registration.
“Now there is a release clause of over 40 million euros, but in the meantime the boy’s performances have not taken off at all. He is having some difficulty establishing himself at River and finished the Sub-20 without a goal or an assist.
“Competition could also be a problem. Manchester United and City have thought about it and are thinking about it and persistent rumours are starting to circulate about Barcelona. Finally, the Real Madrid option should not be completely ruled out.”
However, in the recent U20 South America Championship, the attacking midfielder could not register a single goal involvement which explains why European clubs are avoiding paying his release clause is full.
Whether INEOS go ahead and try and beat off competition from Inter to land Mastantuono in the summer remains to be seen.
Feature image Marcelo Endelli 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
