When Sir Jim Ratcliffe got control of the footballing operations at Manchester United, he made his plan clear.
The Ineos owner has already pointed to the transfer failings of the old regime as a key thing he wants to change at the club – with transfers like Casemiro unlikely to happen at Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted that the transfer policy will be more focused on developing supremely talented youngsters into world-class players, rather than buying the finished article.
We saw this in action during the first summer of Ineos‘ rule – with Chido Obi-Martin, Leny Yoro and Sekou Kone all signed and all three are viewed as phenomenal talents who could be stars.
But Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox will not be stopping there as more generational talents are eyed up for a 2025 move.
Manchester United willing to sign Franco Mastantuono in January
One position United seem keen to make another young addition is midfield, with Sunderland’s Chris Rigg one player Ineos are very keen on.
Along with the Championship’s most exciting player, Norweigan starlet Sverre Nypan is also a player United admire – and he will be available from January on.
The latest name on the list is Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono – whom United have a long-term interest in stretching back to early 2024.
This is according to ESPN Argentina, which reports that United are determined to sign the attacking midfield gem, who has also long been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
The journalist Jorge Baravalle continues to explain that United are even willing to make a move in January to get the deal done.
Signing Mastantuono would be huge, and also would be the second time United have signed a player who seemed Madrid-bound after Yoro.
Mastantuono certainly ticks the box that Sir Jim created, as he is viewed in Argentina as the next Angel Di Maria – despite how unpopular his name may be at Old Trafford.
Ineos could sign Bruno Fernandes successor for £38m
One thing which has been painfully evident this season so far is that Bruno Fernandes is not the player he once was – therefore signing Mastantuono would be the ideal succession plan.
With a release clause of £38m, the Argentine 17-year-old will not come cheap. However, if he even gets near his ultimate potential, that could prove to be a bargain.
Mastantuono stats over the past 365 days
| Stat | Per 90 | Percentile |
| Shot-creating actions | 5.87 | 96th percentile |
| Progressive passes | 6.44 | 89th Percentile |
| Progressive carries | 3.17 | 59th Percentile |
| Successful take-ons | 3.75 | 99th Percentile |
| Tackles | 2.69 | 99th Percentile |
When compared with his positional peers in 14 similar leagues, it is clear to see why the teenager is so in demand – and it also shows us he is possibly even similar to Bruno Fernandes.
Mastantuono joining in January would mean he’d have maybe a season or two learning from Bruno, being eased in before being thrust into the position where United are relying on him.
Whether Ineos pull it off or not, there is no doubt it would be an immense signing.
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