Man Utd 'watching' Colombian wonderkid with 5 goals in 5 games, he's moving for free in January

Manchester United scouts have been at the U20 World Cup this Autumn, with a handful of young talents on the watch list.

Under Ineos, there has been a conscious effort from Manchester United toward signing some of the most talented footballers in the world.

Sekou Kone, Cristian Orozco, and Diego Leon all fit that mould; however, scouts are present at the U20 World Cup in Chile, clearly searching for more bargain wonderkids.

Gilberto Mora was among United’s top priorities at the competition, as the 16-year-old Mexican played really well until his elimination in the quarter finals.

But there is still one target being closely watched by United.

Neiser Villarreal still on Manchester United’s radar

While Mora might have stolen the headlines of the tournament, the top scorers chart is currently being led by two names, one of which is Colombian striker Neiser Villarreal.

20-year-old Villarreal has five goals and an assist in five games in the tournament. In March, United in Focus revealed that Villarreal was being considered by United for a transfer.

Now, United in Focus understands, via Graeme Bailey, that United remains keen, even as the Colombian is set to join Cruzeiro in Brazil for free this January.

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“Villarreal has enjoyed a great tournament and United are still fully aware of him, but like with other European suitors such as Liverpool, they did not try and stop his impending move to Cruzeiro. Staying in South America, but in Brazil, is seen as a good move for him.

“And you can’t deny he has been impressive, and yes, United’s people in Chile have been watching him closely again, and they will continue to do so post-tournament when he debuts in Brazil.”

United will continue watching Villarreal once he moves to Cruzeiro, where he will hope to kick on and fulfil his potential. Perhaps a 2027 move to Europe is his goal.

Neiser Villarreal style of play

Villarreal is a goal machine, with his form for the Colombia U20 team continuing from last season’s FIFA South American under-20 championships, where he scored eight in nine.

Villarreal is a dominant forward, bullying defenders to score his hat-trick for Colombia against Spain in the U20 World Cup.

Quick, powerful, and a clinical finisher, there is a lot to like about the way Villarreal plays his football, and his qualities would suit the Premier League, which is why the Red Devils are still watching.

Villarreal also possesses excellent close control, trickery, and dribbling. In summary, he is a prototype number nine on paper. Now, the question is whether he can kick on at the senior club level and tear the Brazilian league up.

If he does, United will be there.

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