Man Utd enter in race to sign hottest Argentine youngster and 'ready to play long game'

Manchester United are keen on Franco Mastantuono, the highly-rated River Plate midfielder, but they face fierce competition from top teams around Europe.

The 16-year-old Argentine has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in South America.

His performances in the Argentine Primera División and Copa Libertadores have drawn attention from top European clubs, with United, Real Madrid, and Manchester City all closely monitoring his development.

Mastantuono’s representatives have held preliminary talks with Manchester United, and the club has been gathering extensive scouting reports on the teenager.

However, the current belief within the United camp is that a deal won’t be finalized until 2026, with both the player and River Plate preferring to wait until he turns 18.

“There’s strong interest, but River want to retain him through the next year. United are playing the long game here,” said a source close to the negotiations.

Mastantuono recently signed a new contract with River Plate that includes a release clause of around €45 million, reflecting his rising stock.

While United have the financial clout to activate that clause, they are hesitant to rush a deal — especially with youth investment already planned elsewhere in the squad.

The midfielder, who can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or advanced creator, has drawn comparisons to Juan Roman Riquelme and even Enzo Fernández, due to his composure on the ball and vision in tight spaces.

“Franco is one of the most intelligent young players in the Argentine system,” said South American scout Walter Balassa. “He has the brain of a veteran.”

While United are believed to view Mastantuono as a long-term investment — much like their capture of Enzo Kana-Biyik earlier this year — the club’s immediate focus is expected to remain on more senior signings to bolster the first team this summer.

That said, United will keep close tabs on Mastantuono's progress throughout 2025, and a potential move in early 2026 remains firmly on the table — assuming no European rival beats them to the punch.

"Today, my mind is focused on River. We have a lot of important things ahead of us. I'm really enjoying myself and I want to keep enjoying myself," said the young wonderkid when asked about his future, reported TN.com.

While River coach Marcelo Gallardo said: "We have to support him; he's taking his first steps. The markets are dynamic, and the economic power... He's a player who inspires enormous enthusiasm for his young age. 

"He's a kid who has his feet firmly on the ground, but it's not a bad idea to feel he needs to keep growing. We want him to continue developing and growing as a footballer and as a person. That (his departure from the club) isn't going to happen anytime soon."