Manchester United have a habit of signing young talents who have the potential to be world-class, and as a result, multiple targets have appeared on the latest edition of the NXGN rankings.
The yearly ranking of the world’s most exciting talents has been revived for 2026, with Manchester United’s transfer shortlist featuring multiple entrants.
JJ Gabriel is the sole United name on the list at 50th out of 50, which is quite an accomplishment considering he’s a U18 talent and the majority of the names are senior players. While Shea Lacey isn’t involved, he might have been if not for the injury.
Here are all 11 names who have been linked with United, and now sit on the NXGN ranking.
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Jeremy Monga in pink Leicester kit.
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46th – Jeremy Monga
In 46th place, United would love to sign Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, with the wonderkid among England’s most exciting talents.
The 16-year-old has loads of senior experience in the Championship, which, despite Leicester City’s struggles, will be invaluable for him.
Monga faces relegation to League One with Leicester, and a transfer this summer is very likely. So United are likely to be at the front of the queue.
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37th – Chris Rigg
Signing Chris Rigg has long seemed to be on the cards for United, and his continued development is shown by his status in these rankings.
Rigg was linked last summer with a deal tipped as one to keep an eye on in the future.
Playing Premier League football for Sunderland was Rigg’s dream; now that he’s achieved it, he will probably be more open to a transfer.
36th – Ian Subiabre
United are keen to sign Ian Subiabre, with the teenage River Plate sensation the next big thing coming from River Plate.
The interest in Subiabre has been long-term, and this summer would be a good time for a move to Europe.
Whether he ticks United’s boxes for a signing remains to be seen. But his talent ranks him 36th.
33rd – Kerim Alajbegovic
In at 33rd is United target Kerim Alajbegovic from RB Salzburg, who is a winger who is 18 years old.
Alajbegovic was also linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid, as well, which suggests that the Bosnian will be subject to a transfer race this summer.
An exciting talent who could be exactly what United are looking for as a younger left-winger.
30th – Matheus Mane
Another winger linked with United is Matheus Mane, and he has also been named on the NXGN list.
United are keen on signing Mane, according to reports, with the talented teenager being Wolves’ bright light for a large period of the season.
Mane hasn’t been consistent, but his age is likely the reason, and the 30th place shows how highly he is regarded.
29th – Nathan De Cat
One of Belgian football’s most exciting names right now is midfielder Nathan De Cat, who has tentatively been linked with United in recent months as a potential young midfield option.
De Cat is more strongly linked with Tottenham, but their situation means he would surely snub a move.
Would be an exciting addition for United, one which could be a complete bargain if he develops as expected.
27th – Kennet Eichhorn
Kennet Eichhorn playing against Kaiserslautern
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In 27th, German sensation Kennet Eichhorn has been named.
United are looking to sign Eichhorn, and are one of several clubs considered in Europe’s elite, currently linked with the teenager.
Unfortunately, Eichhorn to United is very complicated due to agency impacts. But it would be a huge acquisition for the Red Devils.
21st – Jorthy Mokio
In the top half of the NXGN rankings, Jorthy Mokio is another midfielder.
Mokio has been linked with United as recently as November and still looks set to be one of the best midfielders in Europe at his peak.
Ajax won’t let him leave for cheap, but it’s a move that could be done with other options likely to emerge, such as Chelsea.
16th – Gilberto Mora
One of the most exciting young players in the world right now is Gilberto Mora from Mexico, who will become a hot topic this summer for his national team at the World Cup.
United have scouted Mora at the U20 World Cup in 2025, and a move for the 17-year-old will be highly contested.
Madrid and City are two suitors, but United will be there as well, especially with Champions League football.
11th – Rodrigo Mora
Despite a poor campaign for Porto in Portugal, Rodrigo Mora remains one of the biggest talents in Europe right now.
It was one year ago that United were linked with Mora, and since then, he hasn’t exactly kicked on, which probably makes him too great a risk for the club under Ineos.
Mora could be exciting, but he seems more likely to need another move before a top-level club would swoop in.
8th – Ayyoub Bouaddi
In the top 10, there is one target for United in the form of Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille.
United have been keeping a close eye on Bouaddi this season as he continues to develop his game and looks every bit the potential world-class talent he is thought to be.
It would be a repeat of the Leny Yoro move for United to sign Bouaddi, and it would be a generational addition for the Red Devils.
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