Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them under Ruben Amorim, with the manager having the opportunity to make his own mark on the first-team squad.
Since arriving in November last year, he’s only had one window to try and make the additions he wants, to help the side get out of their current slump in the Premier League.
However, it still remains unclear as to how much funds he will be given to spend, with the club’s current cost-cutting operation under Sir Jim Ratcliffe still in place.
One thing is for sure, an overhaul is desperately needed to prevent a repeat of this season, which has seen the Red Devils occupy a place in the bottom half of the table for the vast majority of the campaign.
The hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying targets to help bolster the first-team squad, with a move already being pursued for one of the biggest young talents around.
Man Utd working on deal for £20m wonderkid
According to CaughtOffside, United are already working on a deal to land Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg this summer, but aren’t alone in their pursuit of the teenager.
The 17-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, which is no surprise given his rapid rise to stardom at the Stadium of Light.
Despite his tender age, he’s already made 61 senior appearances for the Black Cats’ first-team, becoming the second-youngest player in the Championship to feature in 50 matches.
The report claims that Rigg is the number one priority for the hierarchy, seeing the youngster as a “must-have”, with Spurs having already placed a £38m bid according to other reports.
Such a deal would be a bargain for the aforementioned fee, having the potential to cement his place in the side for years to come, while also becoming a bigger talent than another youngster already at Old Trafford.
Why Rigg could become a talent bigger than Mainoo for United
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo caught the eye last year after breaking into the United first-team, with his most notable moment undoubtedly coming in the FA Cup final, scoring the winner against local rivals Manchester City.
His time in the North West since Amorim’s has been nothing but plain sailing, with injuries derailing the progress he made at the Theatre of Dreams last campaign.
However, even when he has been fully fit, the 19-year-old has also struggled, even being utilised as a centre forward in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace – often having to rely on substitute appearances to make an impact in his preferred role.
Given his tender age, Mainoo still needs time before he reaches his full potential, with the boss needing to give him valuable minutes in his natural role upon his return from his latest injury setback.
However, should Rigg complete a move to United in the summer window, he could further restrict Mainoo’s minutes in the side, potentially continuing his own impressive form in the professional game despite being just 17.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the ongoing season, the Sunderland star has managed to match or better the Red Devils academy graduate in numerous key areas, showcasing the talent he possesses.
The Black Cats ace has registered more combined goals and assists in 2024/25, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing the threat he possesses in the final third.
Games played
34
18
Goals & assists
5
0
Progressive passes
3.9
3.6
Shot-on-target accuracy
30%
10%
Carries into final third
1
0.8
Shots taken
1.6
0.7
Fouls won
1.7
1.3
He’s also completed more progressive passes per 90, whilst winning more fouls per game, having the all-round quality to battle Mainoo for a starting role should he move to Old Trafford.
Given Rigg’s tender age, he has the potential to develop into one of the world’s leading talents, that is if he continues on his current trajectory that has seen him take England’s second division by storm.
He certainly has all of the attributes to be a top talent, with a move needing to be completed, handing Amorim the opportunity to transform the teenager and massively bolster his first-team side.
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