Manchester United Eye Franco Mastantuono as Jason Wilcox Leads Bold South American Raid
Manchester United is making a notable shift in its transfer approach under new technical director Jason Wilcox, who has quickly set his sights on South America in search of rising stars. One name at the center of this strategy is Franco Mastantuono, a 16-year-old prodigy currently dazzling for River Plate in Argentina. Already drawing comparisons to national legends like Pablo Aimar and Lionel Messi, the teenager is catching the eye of top European clubs, but United appear determined to gain the upper hand in the race for his signature.
Mastantuono’s reputation has soared since making his senior debut for River Plate. Known for his dazzling dribbling, exceptional vision, and the maturity of a much older player, he’s been described as a rare blend of talent and football intelligence. His ability to operate both as a central playmaker and an inverted winger, along with his composure under pressure, has made him a standout in youth international football for Argentina. His €45 million release clause is steep for someone so young, but United believe it could prove a bargain in the long run given his potential.
Jason Wilcox’s influence is clear in this renewed focus. Formerly a key figure at Manchester City’s academy and later at Southampton, he has a proven track record of identifying and developing elite talent like Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho. At Old Trafford, he is bringing that same energy, expanding United’s scouting reach into South America and aiming to replicate Real Madrid’s successful recruitment of Brazilian talents like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Endrick. The goal is to sign top-tier prospects before they become prohibitively expensive or tied down by other European powerhouses.
The club is also working behind the scenes to ensure any young recruit like Mastantuono would have the necessary support for a smooth transition to life in Europe. From language lessons to mentorship programs and tailored development pathways, United is building an environment designed to help foreign players settle in quickly and flourish.
However, signing Mastantuono won’t be easy. Alongside United, heavyweights like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the River Plate starlet. Additionally, FIFA restrictions prevent European clubs from officially signing non-EU players until they turn 18, meaning United would likely have to negotiate a pre-contract or first-refusal deal to stay ahead of their rivals.
Still, this pursuit represents more than just interest in a talented teenager—it signals a deeper shift in Manchester United’s identity. The club is moving away from high-cost, short-term fixes and returning to a model focused on development and long-term planning. It’s a strategy that echoes the values of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, when youth was at the heart of the club’s most successful teams.
If United manage to secure Mastantuono, it could become a landmark moment—both in the player’s career and in the club’s broader strategy. It would reflect a club not only eager to win now but also committed to building something sustainable for the future. And with Wilcox driving this new vision, the Theatre of Dreams might soon welcome one of Argentina’s most exciting young stars.
