Manchester United have launched a scouting mission to find new manager Erik ten Hag 's first signing, according to reports.
The Ajax boss has reached an agreement in principle to become the Red Devils' permanent successor to interim manager Ralf Rangnick, with Ten Hag expected to put pen to paper on a contract lasting up to four years. And while the details of the Dutchman's appointment are being finalised, United are also preparing for a seismic summer transfer window to kickstart Ten Hag's reign.
Although the Red Devils have been linked to a host of high-profile players, United are said to already be in talks with a lesser-known target: Enzo Fernandez. The versatile midfielder has caught the Old Trafford recruitment team's eye following his impressive performances for River Plate, contributing to six goals across 10 games in 2022. Now, multiple reports from Argentina claim that a scout will be in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening to take a closer look at Fernandez.
As relayed by SportWitness, the Red Devils will have a club official at the Estadio Monumental for River's Copa Libertadores clash with Brazilian outfit Fortaleza. The 21-year-old can comfortably operate anywhere in central midfield, a positional issue which United are desperate to solve over the summer months.
Fernandez has a contract with the Argentine behemoths until 2025 but has a release clause worth £16million. It is also added by Cesar Luis Merlo that the starlet's encourage have held discussions with both the Red Devils and Spanish giants Real Madrid, although no formal offers have been lodged by either European heavyweight.
However, United and Real could be forced to show their hands before the end of the season, as Fernandez's release clause rises to just over £20million during the final 10 days of the transfer window in Argentina, running from May 16 to August 7. Having also been linked with Manchester City, the River academy graduate is highly rated and been called up to Argentina 's senior squad numerous times, but is yet to receive his first cap.
Join the debate! Would Fernandez be a good signing for Man Utd? Give us your verdict here.
Ex- Boca Juniors striker Dario Felman has tipped Fernandez for a Premier League move, although not to a team from Manchester. "Enzo Fernandez is coming from a period at River Plate where they have won everything. When you have a good team that also means that you have some good individuals," Felman explained to Tribal Football.
"Fernandez has technical ability but what he needs is to learn more about collective sacrifice, which he will find in European football. Once he has learned to combine the two, he could play for any team in Europe, like Arsenal and Tottenham (Hotspur).
"He really is that good, in terms of potential. I don't really see Enzo Fernnndez playing for Real Madrid. They are on another level. A team looking for complete players like (Kylian) Mbappe and (Erling) Haaland. I see him more likely playing in the Premier League."
