While Manchester United continue to falter on the Premier League stage, some exciting developments away from the pitch are at least keeping hopes of a brighter future under Ruben Amorim somewhat alive.
Matheus Cunha appears poised to be the inaugural signing of the Red Devils this summer, and he could significantly impact the team. Manchester United is optimistic about outmaneuvering Arsenal to secure the Wolves star.
Cunha, whose £62.5 million release clause the club is willing to activate, seems to be the ideal choice to alleviate some of the pressure on Bruno Fernandes while injecting a much-needed edge into a squad that has struggled with precision.
Additionally, Franco Mastantuono, despite being only 17 years old and less of a guaranteed success, could also bring some much-needed flair to a struggling attack.
Last summer, Manchester United successfully competed against top European clubs to acquire Leny Yoro, and a year later, they may replicate this feat with another highly regarded young talent in the football world.
River Plate president speaks out as Manchester United eye Franco Mastantuono
Manchester United is reportedly demonstrating significant interest in Franco Mastantuono and is progressing with plans to fulfill the release clause in his contract.
It appears that River Plate will part with their valuable player sooner rather than later, resulting in a financial gain of £38 million, according to media sources.
Meanwhile, River Plate’s president, Jorge Brito, is attempting to minimize speculation regarding Mastantuono’s future, although this seems rather implausible given the rampant rumors circulating.
“The important thing is to stay calm. Understand that he is 17 years old. Understand that he is not in any hurry to leave, nor are River in a hurry to sell,” Brito tells ESPN.
“The best thing to do when something is in full growth is to let it continue growing and not touch anything. You have to be very careful and not put more pressure on it.”
Pressure is an aspect that the most promising young forward in South American football must learn to manage. Nevertheless, the talented teenager does not seem intimidated by the high expectations placed upon him.
If Mastantuono’s exquisite, curling free-kick in the 2-1 Superclasico triumph against fierce rivals Boca Juniors is any indication, this is a player who is eager to welcome such significant attention.
Mastantuono has been labelled Argentina’s next superstar after Lionel Messi
River Plate’s director, Stefano Di Carlo, expresses his alignment with Brito’s assurance that Mastantuono will stay in Argentina until early 2026. This, however, does not prevent Manchester United from finalizing a deal now and subsequently loaning him back to Estadio Monumental for the rest of the year.
His exceptional left foot has inevitably led to comparisons with Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. If Leny Yoro is indeed the ‘Kylian Mbappe of defenders,’ could Old Trafford soon welcome the next prominent Argentine forward? Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez describes Mastantuono as ‘incredible.’
Additionally, former Albiceleste star Mathias Almeyda envisions the 17-year-old joining Messi and Maradona in etching his legacy among the blue-and-white icons.
“Another Maradona or another Messi is unlikely to emerge but another player will come,” Almeyda argues. “After Maradona, people said that there would never be another like him. And then Messi appeared.
“And I think that after Messi another one will appear, and his name is Franco Mastantuono.”
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