Manchester United is eyeing Dougie Freedman, a potential sporting director, who recently scouted talent during the under 17 World Cup. The move is contingent on the success of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid for a 25% stake in the club, which has already seen the removal of chief executive Richard Arnold, replaced temporarily by Patrick Stewart. Freedman, currently with Crystal Palace, is poised to step into a key role if Ratcliffe’s acquisition materializes.
Freedman’s scouting mission has a specific target in mind – the promising 17-year-old Argentinian, Claudio Echeverri, often touted as ‘the new Messi.’ Echeverri, having impressed with his debut for River Plate and a notable goal in the U17 World Cup against Japan, is on United’s radar.
In the quest for the next football sensation, Freedman’s involvement in negotiations, should he transition to Manchester United, could prove instrumental. Echeverri, acknowledging comparisons to Messi, humbly expressed, “I always said that my idol was Messi, but I’m nowhere near Messi! I also really liked Pablo Aimar, who’s part of the national-team staff, and he’s spoken to me many times.” Echeverri sees Aimar as a valuable mentor, drawing inspiration from the former player’s skill and penchant for taking on defenders, much like himself.