Manchester United have had a number of South American stars sign for the club over the past decade.
But when you look at Manchester United’s transfer history during this time, the theme is that these players have all been bought from European clubs for often high prices, rather than at source in South America.
The one exception is Facundo Pellistri, signed in 2020 from Penarol. And this is a sample size too small to make any generalisations, yet, it is worth noting that he has gone onto become a full Uruguay international.
New investors Ineos are expected to hold a more open minded, expansive approach to the market, keener to look at bargains, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe saying they want to create stars, rather than buy them.
Aaron Anselmino linked to Manchester United
One South American player linked prominently to Manchester United is Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.
Argentine outlet Planeta Boca Juniors, claimed in January that the 18-year-old is of interest to United, along with AC Milan.
Bola VIP reported United’s continued interest in Anselmino in early March, and this is evidently a situation to monitor ahead of the summer transfer window.
Anselmino is a centre-back who is currently playing alongside former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo, in a side also featuring Sergio Romero and Edinson Cavani.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told United In Focus last week that Manchester United have an eye on a number of young South American players ahead of the summer.
Aaron Anselmino responds to transfer speculation
Aaron Anselmino has now been asked directly about a potential move to Manchester United, speaking after a 3-0 win in which Edinson Cavani scored twice.
Quizzed over his future, per Ole, Anselmino says his first focus is on achieving success with Boca Juniors and he is not looking beyond that for now.
He said: “My head here is here in Boca. I want to win a title here and win titles with this shirt. Nothing came from outside.”
Boca tied Anselmino to a new contract in January which runs to 2028, although a £15 million release clause is unlikely to act as a deterrent for United.
Manager Diego Martinez speaks highly of his character, commenting: “He has a very great future, he concentrates on football all the time, he has the seriousness of a great person. That is really very good.”
A win-win scenario could be for Manchester United to sign Anselmino and then loan him back to Boca until 2025.
That type of give-and-take deal is not one United fans have been familiar with over the past year, but it might be one to consider. City signed Julian Alvarez in the same way, loaning him back for an extra six months to continue his development.