Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that Manchester United will sign and develop youngsters into top players, but now one could be off the table.
Manchester United have always been a club which prioritises signing young world-class potential players and developing players into stars as opposed to buying the finished article.
This is something new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks keen to return the club to.
One player who would fit this bill is 16-year-old Argentine, Franco Mastantuono, who’s tipped as one of the best young talents in the world.
But signing him has just become a whole lot harder for United, here’s why…
Franco Mastantuono signs new contract with River Plate
United won’t be the only top European side to be annoyed to see the 2007-born talent that is Mastantuono being announced to have signed a new contract at River Plate.
It’ll be valid until December 2026 and with the new contract has come a massive release clause which Fabrizio Romano has declared is the highest in the history of Argentina at a maximum of £42m.
It’s a frustrating sight given how he would’ve absolutely fit the bill of what Ratcliffe wanted and United are known to have scouted him.
Speaking with the Graint Thomas Cycling Club podcast, Ratcliffe was quizzed over his transfer policy, particularly Kylian Mbappe to which he had a defiant response.
“Mbappé to Man United? I’d try to find the next Mbappé rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success.
“It’s not that clever to sign Mbappé now, it’s more challenging to find the next Mbappé, next [Jude] Bellingham or next Roy Keane”.
Mastantuono could still be worth his new expensive fee for Manchester United
Despite having a new asking price which could be off-putting to some clubs, there’s no doubt he’s got the potential to be worth at least double.
He’d be a luxury signing which United don’t need right now, but could be a masterstroke if he arrives and reaches his full potential.
Considering United spent £37m – albeit some of this was add-ons – on Amad Diallo, just five million more could get a player with true world-class potential that we will likely see make the move over the next few years.
So we aren’t saying United should buy Mastantuono, but if the cash is there and available, he’d be a really smart investment and a likely solution to replacing Bruno Fernandes in the long term.