Manchester United have always prided themselves on their youth priority policy and hold the record 4,169 consecutive games in which an academy player has been involved in the matchday squad.
The record has stood for over 85 years and with Erik ten Hag at the helm, it is expected to continue. The Dutchman is known for giving deserving young players a chance.
Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the beneficiaries, while players like Zidane Iqbal and Rhys Bennett have also been on the bench on more than a couple of occasions.
United’s youth-first approach
And the club is always looking for the next big thing in the transfer market too and they have set their sights on Benfica star Cher Ndour.
The 18-year-old rose to fame when he became the youngest debutant in the history of Benfica B.
He made his debut at the age of 16 years and 279 days, surpassing the record previously held by Joao Félix of Atlético de Madrid.
*Ndour Transfer Rumors* ????????????Manchester United are fighting Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus for Benfica’s 18-year-old midfielder Cher Ndour in the January transfer window, as Tutto Salernitana said.#MUFC #ManUnited #ManUtd #ManchesterUnited #MUMUfootball pic .twitter.com/FcMgWEfgfw
– MUMU Football (@MUMUfootball) December 29, 2022
According to Tutto Salernitana, “big European names like Manchester United, PSG and Juventus are already on their trail.” He is valued at 1.50 million euros on Transfermarkt.
The 1.80m midfielder has not made his Benfica debut but has represented his B team on 40 occasions, contributing four goals and an assist in the process.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by the Italian FA. Before the Christmas holidays, he was summoned by the Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini, who watched him closely.
Ndour, a star in the making
Ndour’s contract will expire in 2023 and he could be available at a reduced price in January if Benfica fail to agree a contract extension. They certainly don’t want to risk losing it for free.
The Brescia-born youngster has represented Brescia and Atalanta BC in his youth before moving to Portugal and joining Benfica in the summer of 2020.
Much like United’s capture of Atalanta’s Amad Diallo in Italy, United would do well if they could secure the signing of such a prodigiously talented player.
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