Manchester United interested in 16-year-old Benfica forward Umaro Embalo

Javier Ribalta, one of the club's chief scouts, watched the youngster in action during the UEFA Youth League clash between United and Benfica's Under-19s

Simon Peach
Thursday 19 October 2017 16:06 BST
Comments
Umaro Embalo in action for Portugal's Under-16s
Umaro Embalo in action for Portugal's Under-16s (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United are understood to be interested in 16-year-old Benfica forward Umaro Embalo.

Jose Mourinho's men secured a narrow 1-0 win against the Portuguese giants at the Estadio da Luz in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day United went toe-to-toe with Benfica's Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League, with the feisty encounter ending 2-2 at the Caixa Futebol Campus.

Javier Ribalta, one of United's chief scouts, was among the interested observers in Seixal, where Embalo came on as a 65th-minute substitute.

While unable to make much of an impression on Wednesday afternoon, it's understood the 16-year-old is being closely tracked by the Reds.

Embalo has caught the eye of United but Real Madrid are also reportedly keeping tabs on the Portuguese forward.

It is understood United have also been impressed by attacking midfielder Joao Felix. A slick player in the ilk of fellow Benfica product Rui Costa, he has impressed the Old Trafford club's Portuguese scouts.

In addition, Benfica Under-19s captain Joao Filipe previously spent a period on trial at United and is believed to be open to a move to Old Trafford one day.

However, the 18-year-old's immediate future appears to be in Lisbon having recently signed a deal until 2022.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in