Manchester United’s scouts have been extremely busy over the past few months, and now they’ve found an absolute gem of a talent over in Eastern Europe.
While Ruben Amorim will be eagerly anticipating this summer and the potential arrival of top talents such as Matheus Cunha or Liam Delap, there is work going on within the scouting department to find the stars of tomorrow.
This has been a demand of Ineos since taking over footballing operations at the club in 2024. Sir Jim Ratcliffe famously said he wanted United to sign the ‘next Kylian Mbappe’ rather than wasting millions as the club has done over the past decade.
Ahead of the summer 2025 transfer window, wonderkids are on the agenda once again for Manchester United.
United are showing an interest in Boca Juniors’ Milton Delgado as one of Argentina’s most exciting talents. Meanwhile, another youngster in the form of Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is also wanted at Old Trafford.
These names would follow in the footsteps of Diego Leon, whom United have already agreed to sign, and now scouts have suggested another player as one for the future.
Manchester United scouts are watching Partizan Belgrade’s Ognjen Ugresic
With youth recruitment playing a big part in Ineos’ future plans, Enzo Kana-Biyik looks like an imminent arrival as he signs his United contract.
However, the club won’t be finished there, and now scouts have identified 18-year-old Ognjen Ugresic from Partizan Belgrade as an interesting option.
This comes according to the wonderkid’s agent, Ostoja Stjepanovic, who has told Nemzeti Sport of the interest in his client, admitting it may be too soon for him to move this summer.
“I can confirm that the winter press reports are based on reality, there is interest in him from many places: not only are Manchester United observers and following his development, but also Serie A clubs.
“However, it would be too early for him to switch; he could get the playing opportunities he needs to advance to the next level at Partizan next season.”
United have had scouts watching Ugresic for months, according to the Serbian press, with April seeing him score his first goal for the senior side.
The race to sign Ugresic will likely heat up over the coming 12 months as he begins to contribute in the Serbian Super League as a super-talented midfielder. United may look to steal a march on rivals by agreeing a deal this summer and sending him back to Partizan on loan.
Ognjen Ugresic’s agent compares him with Paul Pogba and Jude Bellingham
Despite being keen for his client to take his time developing before moving to one of Europe’s heavy hitters, Stjepanovic has not shied away from making some breathtaking comparisons with Ugresic’s game and players he can be compared with.
“The resemblance may be strong, but his style is similar to Jude Bellingham and somewhat to Paul Pogba. His technique is exceptional, he also has the speed for the top level. Despite his height, his sprint speed exceeds thirty-five kilometers per hour.
“Playing behind the forward line, he helps with actions, sees the game well, he is an intelligent footballer. He has developed a lot in a few months under Srdjan Blagojevic’s guidance, but he needs time to develop.”
If Ugresic can live up to this billing, he would be a very special player indeed, and as of right now, the 18-year-old is the latest exciting talent to find himself on United’s radar, and he fits the bill of an Ineos signing
Definitely one worth keeping an eye on.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/xvA5gRm