Manchester United have had scouts all around Europe over the past few months, formulating plans for the summer transfer window.
With Ineos overhauling the recruitment strategy at Manchester United, scouts have become so important to identify elite talent across the globe.
This is a big change from pre-Ineos, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been so outspoken over the previous regime. With the likes of Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold at the helm, United passed up the chance to sign several prospects who became world-class players.
Ineos have already changed that, building an excellent young spine of players and sending scouts worldwide with the intention of listening to them.
The most prominent examples of this are United’s move to sign Diego Leon, another example is the move for Sekou Kone last summer which looks genius.
Now, over the international break, scouts have been very busy.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Manchester United had scouts watching France U21 vs England
United in Focus understands, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, that United had scouts at last week’s blockbuster France U21 vs England fixture.
“There were a lot of Premier League clubs watching France vs England last week when Hugo Ekitike scored the hat-trick when Rayan Cherki was there supplying him.”
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These are two names circulating around United right now, but there is a third who might have been the subject of the scouting.
“United were there in Lorient at that game, but it hasn’t been confirmed who they were watching. There is one interesting name who United have looked at before, Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.”
All three of these talents would be exciting additions, and, interestingly, Ineos were taking note of the game.
Manchester United’s scouting trip could have been centred on numerous players
17-year-old French Lille midfielder Bouaddi is a very encouraging target if United were looking at him as an option this summer, renewing previous interest.
Another option was the hat-trick scorer, as United have Ekitike firmly on the list for this summer, as he goes strength to strength for Frankfurt.
Cherki is also thought to be an outside option. In the 5-3 win for France, there were also English targets in action, such as Liam Delap and Adam Wharton – although United would be unlikely to scout them here when they can watch the pair weekly in the Premier League.
So, it will be interesting to see if anything comes of this.