Manchester United scouts have been busy at the U17 World Cup, and among several youngsters to catch the eye is Ziyad Baha.
This month’s U17 World Cup has been hosted by Qatar, with the Aspire Zone holding every game thus far, which has made it ideal for scouts who are watching more than one player.
Manchester United fall into this category, with Christopher Vivell sending scouts to watch several talents over the past few weeks.
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United had Felipe Esquivel as an initial target, although over the course of the tournament, priorities have changed, and other wonderkids have stood out. Now United in Focus can reveal that Ziyad Baha has joined this list.
Ziyad Baha celebrates goal for Morocco vs Brazil.
Photo by Mohamed Farag – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Manchester United really impressed with Ziyad Baha for Morocco
At the age of just 16, Baha has had a phenomenal campaign leading the line for Morocco as they reached the quarter finals of the U17 World Cup.
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Four goals in the tournament were enough to catch United’s attention, United in Focus understands, with Graeme Bailey explaining what he has heard about the wonderkid.
“One who has impressed United in Qatar is Ziyad Baha. The Real Betis 16-year-old has been outstanding, and I’m told he has really caught the eye during the tournament.”
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Ziyad Baha
Morocco U17 • FIFA U17 World Cup 2025
350
Minutes
Date Opponent Result Min Goals
Nov 21 vs Brazil U17 L 1-2 90′ 1 Goal
Nov 18 vs Mali U17 W 3-2 70′ 1 Goal
Nov 14 vs USA U17 W 2-1 19′ –
Nov 09 vs New Caledonia W 16-0 51′ 2 Goals
Nov 06 vs Portugal U17 L 0-6 46′ –
Nov 03 vs Japan U17 L 0-2 74′ –
Baha was born in Spain but represents Betis, which means he will have benefited from quality coaching at the youth level. However, interestingly, in Spain, release clauses are prominent in contracts, and therefore, Baha might be available for a reasonable price when he turns 18.
It was an excellent individual campaign for Baha, but Morocco’s tournament ended in defeat to Brazil, in which another United target starred.
Dell’s U17 World Cup performances have reinforced Manchester United interest
While Baha is the player United are newly fascinated by, his opposite number in defeat to Brazil was another target in the form of Dell.
United have been watching Dell all tournament as he has scored five goals for Brazil to this point, as they now seek a spot in the final.
Bailey has exclusively told United in Focus that scouts have been impressed by the Brazilian 17-year-old, reinforcing the excitement over him.
“Man United were in Qatar to see all the quarter-finals. They had a real interest in the Morocco – Brazil game and, as it happens, the two goal scorers. We know Dell is a player they were looking at pre-tournament, and he has impressed hugely, and that has only underlined their reports on him.”
The problem with Dell is that he plays for Manchester City-owned Bahia, and therefore, they are very unlikely to sell to United if they think he’s a top talent.
This probably makes Baha a more attractive talent for United.