Manchester United have added Nigerian goalkeeper Ebeneezer Harcourt and Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora to their list of transfer targets at the U20 World Cup in Chile.
Harcourt, just 15, made history earlier this year when he became the youngest Nigerian international, keeping a clean sheet in an African Nations Championship win over Congo.
The Sporting Lagos product forced his way into international attention at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he helped Nigeria win bronze.
His standout display came in the quarter-final against Senegal, when he saved two penalties in the shootout to seal World Cup qualification. By the end of the tournament, Harcourt had kept three clean sheets and conceded just twice.
Ebenezer Harcourt. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
His performances did not go unnoticed. Scouts from France, Belgium and Germany have been tracking his progress for months.
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Now, Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, are stepping up their interest in Harcourt, according to United In Focus.
Mora, 16, is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in world football. Already a first-team regular in Mexico, he is being tracked by almost every major European club.
United’s interest in both players fits with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-term vision of signing the “next Mbappé” rather than established stars.
Under Ineos ownership, the club have focused on young talents, with recent moves for Cristian Orozco, Sekou Kone and Chido Obi.
Head coach Ruben Amorim’s reputation for trusting academy players strengthens that appeal, with Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson breaking into the senior squad last season.
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United will face stiff competition for Harcourt and Mora, but believe Old Trafford offers a clear pathway for the game’s brightest prospects.
