Velez Sarsfield forward Maher Carrizo has been tipped to shine at the Under-20 World Cup
Manchester United's transfer record in recent years makes for pretty ugly reading.
The Reds have spent heavily with little success as they bid to recapture past glories. Ruben Amorim splashed the cash again this summer with up to more than £200million shelled out on attacking trio Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
But since Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe invested at Old Trafford, there has been a shift in recruitment policy. The big-money names have still arrived but beneath that [United](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) have invested more in potential, with several prospects having arrived in recent years.
Chido Obi is perhaps the most high-profile having arrived from Arsenal in 2024 while Ayden Heaven also joined from the Gunners. And United have looked abroad when scouting for the next superstars, with the likes of Sekou Kone and Enzo Kana-Biyik arriving over the past 18 months, Diego Leon joining in the summer and last week the Reds reached a preliminary agreement to sign teenage midfielder Cristian Orozco.
Orozco, 17, plays for Fortaleza CEIF and has captained Colombia's Under-17 team. The defensive midfielder will not be able to complete a move to Old Trafford until he turns 18 next year and will officially join in July.
Spotting the best young talent from all corners of the globe can pay off handsomely and United have the opportunity to spot their next prospect during the Under-20 World Cup.
The tournament got under way last week in Chile and there is a raft of youngsters tipped to make major breakthroughs in South America.
United have already been linked with two players - Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt who is just 15 and 16-year-old Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora, who has had reported interest from several top European clubs.
With Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paul Pogba past winners of the player of the tournament, and Erling Haaland the top scorer in the 2019 edition, the competition can offer an indicator of the future.
For Ineos and United there is the chance to see how talented teenagers fare in tournament play and potentially identify the next young stars to join the ranks at Old Trafford.
England have failed to qualify but there is a raft of talent in action. Prospects from Argentina and Brazil stand out with 19-year-old forward Pedro, who joined Zenit in Russia in 2024, tipped to shine for the latter.
Argentina have a clutch of prospects with Maher Carrizo catching the eye in his homeland for Velez Sarsfield. The 19-year-old right winger has 10 goals in 31 games this season.
Away from Argentina and Brazil, Mexico midfielder Obed Vargas, who has caught the eye for Seattle Sounders in the MLS, and Spanish centre back Jon Martin, who has broken through at Real Sociedad, are also highly rated.
Scouts from across the globe will be keeping a keen eye on the tournament, and United could be at the front of the queue.