Manchester United missed out on Franco Mastantuono after Real Madrid activated a £38m release clause to sign the River Plate youngster dubbed the next Lionel Messi.
By the time the 17-year-old found his rhythm, he was already the pride of South America. Top teams from across Europe, including United, were lining up to make their case.
Manchester United believed they were in with a real chance, building on a growing reputation under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a club capable of competing for elite young talent – and landing the likes of Leny Yoro, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the process.
But, for Mastantuono, Real Madrid were always the dream. And speaking for the first time about his decision, he highlighted the key factor that made the difference in choosing Los Blancos over Manchester United.
Xabi Alonso talks convinced Mastantuono to join Real Madrid
Manchester United were hoping to pull off another coup akin to Leny Yoro’s move a year earlier – when the young defender chose Old Trafford over a waiting game for Real Madrid, opting instead to buy into Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s pitch for the club’s future.
But this time, Mastantuono wasn’t convinced. Even with Ruben Amorim in charge – whose charisma and vision had already attracted major talent to United – the pull of Xabi Alonso proved too strong.
Speaking to DAZN, Mastantuono explained: “It has always been a dream. Everything changes – a new chapter begins in another country. Any player dreams of playing for River and Real Madrid.
“The way [Xabi Alonso] treated me was unbelievable. Having the coach want you is a huge vote of confidence for someone who is leaving a club like River, which isn’t easy.”
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Mastantuono considered Man United and PSG before choosing Real Madrid
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told United in Focus that the River Plate prospect had not initially ruled out a move to Old Trafford. However, Real Madrid won the race for the Argentine gem with a strategy that involved former player and coach Santiago Solari.
“United were seriously interested and Mastantuono did consider Old Trafford. I am told it was really between them, Paris Saint-Germain and Real,” Bailey revealed.
“But Real were always the one. Once Real decided to make their move, they used [former head coach and Argentina icon] Santiago Solari to push home the deal and he got it done.”
Solari’s involvement was decisive, helping Madrid fend off interest from clubs like Manchester United and PSG. The allure of Real Madrid, combined with personal outreach from key figures, ultimately proved too strong for the 17-year-old to resist.
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