Manchester United scouts will be present at Villa Park to watch Bologna centre-forward Santiago Castro take on Aston Villa in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night.
This summer will be a busy one for Manchester United.
From appointing a permanent head coach to recruiting players who will, hopefully, take the team to the next level, United will continue to dominate the headlines.
While adding a new striker to the squad won’t be a top priority for United, like central midfield, there is room for competition for Benjamin Sesko, with Joshua Zirkzee facing an uncertain future.
Santiago Castro playing against Aston Villa in the Europa League
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Should Manchester United KEEP or SELL Joshua Zirkzee in summer 2026?
Getty Images
Man Utd tracking Bologna striker Santiago Castro
United are not involved in European football this season, but that won’t stop scouts from being sent on trips to keep an eye on potential targets ahead of the summer transfer market.
According to Il Resto del Carlino, United scouts will be present at Villa Park for the second leg of a Europa League quarter-final second leg tie between Aston Villa and Bologna.
The player of interest is Bologna striker Santiago Castro, although it is worth noting that United have also been linked with Morgan Rodgers at Villa.
More United News
Castro, who has endured ups and downs this season, will have a plethora of scouts watching him closely on Thursday night. The report outlines that United and Chelsea scouts will be present.
Bologna go into the game after losing the first leg 3-1, so they must win by at least two goals to force extra-time.
Castro, an Argentine international at youth level, started the first leg but was unable to add to his season tally of 11 goals.
The 21-year-old has made 44 appearances across all competitions and recently signed a new contract.
⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
Man Utd scouts will watch Santiago Castro against Aston Villa
Castro, 21, has scored 11 goals for Serie A outfit Bologna this season
Bologna go into the quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa with a two-goal deficit, after losing the initial tie 3-1 in Italy
Have you been convinced by Sesko like Carrick has?
He's in amazing form, but what else does he need to add?
Sesko Carrick
Getty Images
Man Utd’s transfer history with Bolonga
There was virtually no direct business conducted between United and Bologna until Zirkzee’s transfer in 2024.
The Netherlands forward cost United £35.8 million, but could leave Old Trafford this summer after struggling to cement a place in the team.
In 2022, United were linked with a move for former Bologna and Stoke City forward Marko Arnautovic.
It remains to be seen if Castro will follow Zirkzee’s path by joining United from Bologna. He will need to impress the scouts against Aston Villa to keep their attention for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox