Manchester United have not wasted any time in strengthening their ranks in the wake of their worst season in recent decades.
Man United have already agreed a deal for Matheus Cunha, who has impressed for Wolverhampton Wanderers over the past two years.
The Red Devils have also been heavily linked with Bryan Mbeumo, who has gone from strength to strength at Brentford.
However, a £40million attacker Manchester United held talks over now looks to be out of reach amid discussions with Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images
Real Madrid pushing to sign Manchester United target Franco Mastantuono
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey confirmed in May that Man United were one of the clubs in talks over River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City also had conversations over the teenager, while other reports indicated that Tottenham are also interested in Mastantuono.
However, Real Madrid have since stolen a march on Mastantuono, and they’re in pole position ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, according to Romano.
“Real Madrid have made approach with both Franco Mastantuono’s camp and also River Plate,” Romano wrote on X.
“Mastantuono’s dream since he was a kid is joining Real Madrid, now time for the negotiations.
“Real Madrid and PSG are in a battle to get the deal done.”
🚨🇦🇷 Real Madrid have made approach with both Franco Mastantuono’s camp and also River Plate.
Mastantuono’s dream since he was a kid is joining Real Madrid, now time for the negotiations. 💭⚪️
Real Madrid and PSG are in a battle to get the deal done. pic.twitter.com/IY2me3SGAG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
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Romano then shared a follow-up on X, in which he wrote: “Understand release clause for Mastantuono is worth $45m plus $10m taxes (£40million in total), price indicated by River Plate to all clubs interested.
“Real Madrid keep working hard in the recent hours to advance on Franco Mastantuono deal in battle with PSG… who are on it since April.”
🚨🇦🇷 Understand release clause for Mastantuono is worth $45m plus $10m taxes, price indicated by River Plate to all clubs interested.
Real Madrid keep working hard in the recent hours to advance on Franco Mastantuono deal in battle with PSG… who are on it since April. pic.twitter.com/k7hNG3arYt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
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Man United have also missed out on Luis Henrique, who is now Inter Milan-bound.
READ MORE: Manchester United could look to sign £15m Brighton player in ‘surprise’ transfer move this summer
Why Bryan Mbeumo would be a better fit for Manchester United than Franco Mastantuono
Although Man United would be gutted to miss out on a top talent like Mastantuono, he’s not really what they need at this moment in time.
The Red Devils need Premier League-ready players who can hit the ground running at Old Trafford and drag the club up by the scruff of its neck.
Mastantuono is just 17 years of age and would need some time to acclimatise to life in the Premier League for a team that is in dire need of instant results.
Mbeumo would be the perfect fit for Man United at this moment in time, thanks to his proven record in the league, especially last season.
The obvious statistic is the 20-goal tally he clocked up in the league last season, but there’s more.
Mbeumo was the only player to get into quadruple figures with regards to off-the-ball runs, registering 1,037 runs – almost 100 more than his nearest competitor.
Mbeumo also covered 387.6km in the league this season, putting him third behind Daniel Muñoz (389.5 km) and Bruno Guimaraes (420.0 km).
In addition, Mbeumo ranked third for total sprints (870), and he made the top spot for off-the-ball runs made at sprinting speed (389).