Manchester United were surely impressed as River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono scored a brilliant goal against Boca Juniors.
Manchester United still have so much to play for in the Europa League, with a semi-final clash against Athletic Club coming this week.
United will be looking for progression with Champions League football on offer, which would serve as a huge boost to Ruben Amorim’s summer plans.
One deal already appears to be in the pipeline with reports suggesting that United are closing in on signing Matheus Cunha.
Talks to land the Wolverhampton Wanderers ace are progressing well, with a deal worth around £62.5million expected to materialise.
United won’t be done there, and may even look to add more attacking talent around Cunha this summer.
River Plate boss on Manchester United target Franco Mastantuono
Amorim plays with two number 10’s in his 3-4-2-1 approach, so there could be room for another addition alongside Cunha.
One name on United’s radar is Franco Mastantuono, with the River Plate teenager catching the eye in Argentina.
Reports last week suggested that United are showing the strongest interest in Mastantuono with River teammate Ian Subiabre on the Old Trafford radar.
River Plate aren’t exactly keen on selling Mastantuono, and are sticking to the £38.5million release clause in his contract.
United were surely watching Mastantuono on Sunday night, as he and River Plate faced bitter rivals Boca Juniors in the latest Superclásico.
River beat Boca 2-1 on the night, with Mastantuono scoring a sumptuous free kick to open the scoring.
Mastantuono curled home a beauty from around 25 yards, whipping the ball over the wall with his left foot and finding the top corner.
This was a moment of serious quality from Mastantuono, with his free kick ultimately conjuring up visions of Lionel Messi.
River boss Marcelo Gallardo spoke to TN in Argentina after the game, suggesting that Mastantuono ‘inspires enormous enthusiasm’.
Crucially, Gallardo claims that Mastantuono will not be happening ‘any time soon’, seemingly believing that he will be staying put.
“We have to support him; he’s taking his first steps. The markets are dynamic, and the financial power is strong… He’s a player who inspires enormous enthusiasm for his young age,” said Gallardo.
“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 any time soon.
“Franco isn’t River’s leader; he’s just another player who fits in and, with his free spirit, creates what he creates. That’s very valuable. He also embraces physical qualities that are very well-equipped for a 17-year-old.
“A tremendous goal. I think the last one like that was Juanfer (Quintero)’s against Racing. It was a beautiful gem. He’s in a constant learning process: just as he does impressive things, he can also make mistakes, and that’s how he’ll learn,” he added.
Paris Saint-Germain moving for Franco Mastantuono
United were surely impressed by more Mastantuono magic on Sunday, but bringing him to Old Trafford won’t be easy.
Not only are River attempting to stand firm on Mastantuono’s future, but Paris Saint-Germain are now joining the race.
TyC Sports journalist German Garcia Grova reports that PSG have opened talks to sign Mastantuono.
PSG allegedly see Mastantuono as a priority signing, but have yet to make any progress on a deal with River.
Gallardo’s men are keen to keep Mastantuono until at least the end of 2026, but United may well look to activate his release clause and lure him away.
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