Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Lens teenager Metzian Meslob as the club continue to target some of Europe’s brightest young players.
The 16-year-old has risen rapidly in France and, despite his young age, has already attracted the attention of senior management.
United’s interest comes at a particularly interesting time, with uncertainty surrounding academy star JJ Gabriel’s future after he asked to leave the club earlier this month.
Manchester United tracking Meslob amid uncertainty over JJ Gabriel
according to team talkUnited’s scouting department has identified Meslob as a player worth keeping a close eye on.
The club are still trying to convince Gabriel to stay at Old Trafford, with chief executive Omar Berada and sporting director Jason Wilcox reportedly involved in those efforts.
Meslob’s recent performances illustrate United’s interest in him.
The Lens striker made his Champions League debut this season and provided an assist in the 3-2 win over Slavia Prague. UEFA Statistics show that he played 29 minutes, attempted two shots, had a pass completion rate of 87%, and a top speed of 29.57 kilometers per hour.
His rise actually began in Ligue 1 last season, when he scored just five seconds into the match against Nantes to help the team win 1-0.
At 16 years and 306 days old, he also became the third youngest player for a French club to appear in the Champions League, behind Rayan Cherki and Warren Zaire Emery.
Meslob has also received awards internationally. team According to reports, despite being only 16 years old, he has been selected for the Portugal U-21 team, having previously represented the Portuguese U16 and U17 teams.
Manchester United were right to plan ahead
United’s interest should be seen as more than just finding a replacement for Gabriel.
Mesroub fits into the wider recruitment model that Ineos seems to favor: young, technically gifted players who can develop within the club and then become expensive stars.
His performances in the Champions League as a 16-year-old were particularly impressive, but United still need to be patient. He is far from a mature player and a move to England at such a young age will require careful management.
Gabriel’s situation also makes this connection important. United cannot assume that every top academy player will stay, so it would be wise to build a wider pipeline of elite youth talent.
If Meslob continues to improve at this rate, competition for him will only intensify. United’s advantage may be to make a move before he becomes a household name.
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