Manchester United are taking an interest in South American sensation Lautaro Rivero, according to reports.
One of the most impressive players in recent seasons at Manchester United has been Lisandro Martinez, who was sensational in victories over Arsenal and City.
United signed Martinez in 2022 for £46 million from Ajax, and with uncertainty over the future of veteran teammate Harry Maguire, the club are exploring possible replacements.
One player the Red Devils are now claimed to be tracking is a new international colleague of Lisandro Martinez’s, talented young defender Lautaro Rivero.
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Lautaro Rivero of River Plate in action
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Lautaro Rivero to Man Utd rumours
Manchester United are tracking the progress being made by Lautaro Rivero at River Plate, according to sources in his homeland.
El Crack Deportivo report that United ‘intend to acquire the services’ of Rivero, noting that he has been performing ‘exceptionally well’.
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United have not formalised an offer but manager Marcelo Gallardo is ‘attentive’ to the concern about losing a regular starter.
River signed Rivero to a new contract in July 2025 with a release clause of 100 million Euros. This is a strategy that allows them to negotiate properly and not lose him on the cheap, after selling Franco Mastantuno to Real Madrid for below his market value.
Lautaro Rivero: Key facts
Full name: Lautaro Rubén Rivero Cruz
Date of birth: 1/11/2003 (22)
Place of birth: Moreno, Argentina
Height: 6 ft
Position: Centre-back
Foot: Left
Lautaro Rivero made his professional debut out on loan for Cordoba in 2024 and went on to play 30 games for the club, including appearances in the Copa Libertadores.
He showed his quality in a 2-1 win over Brazilian side Flamengo, establishing his credentials as a top breakthrough talent.
Rivero was scheduled to spend 18 months on loan but was recalled early after an injury to River defender German Pezzella.
After being signed to a new contract, Rivero made his River debut in August 2025 and has gone on to make 18 appearances for the club.
His rapid rise was rewarded with a call-up into Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad in October, where he played 45 minutes in their 6-0 win over the USA.
Martinez’s return from injury a month later makes Rivero more of a long shot to make the World Cup squad, but it is impressive that he is already in the conversation.
TyC Sports noted Rivero’s remarkable rise from hardship, where he was selling street food from the roadside a few years ago, to now representing his country.
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Lautaro Rivero’s qualities
River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo has discussed Lautaro Rivero’s qualities, a combination of his athletic and technical prowess, with his mindset.
Gallardo explained: “He is a player who understands space. His height is an advantage, but his mind is what makes him a River Plate player.
“We needed a player with his profile, left-footed, aggressive, but calm on the ball. He earned his spot by showing he could handle the pressure of the big stage.
“Lautaro knows what it means to fight for every inch. That mentality is contagious in the locker room.”
Rivero clearly possesses many of the traits that make Lisandro Martinez such a popular player with fans at Old Trafford, the aggressive mindset and ability on the ball.
In River Plate’s recent victory, Rivero completed 88 per cent of his passes and made 12 defensive contributions, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory.
A move is not likely from United until the summer, but it is worth noting how the club have stepped up scouting in South America under Ineos.
Rivero is a first team ready talent who could be a bargain despite his high release clause, with Transfermarkt suggesting his market value is just £7 million.
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