Gifted ball-playing French centre-back in United’s crosshairs, battle brewing with Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona – report

Manchester United’s legacy has been built on a strong foundation of youth, so it is no wonder that they are constantly on the lookout for emerging talent across the world.

Youth has always been given the chance to flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, but the Red Devils have also prised away highly rated young players from other academies in recent years.

INEOS have invested in that strategy as well, signing the likes of Leny Yoro, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi, Diego Leon and Ayden Heaven.

United have now set their sights on a Ligue 1 prodigy who has caught the eye of multiple clubs across the continent.

United scouting Tylel Tati

According to Caught Offside, United have identified young Nantes defender Tylel Tati as an option to reinforce their backline and have sent scouts to watch him in action.

The 17 year old joined the Ligue 1 club from US Roissy-en-Brie in 2023 and rose rapidly through the ranks at the Stade de la Beaujoire. The French starlet was so impressive that he was included in the senior side’s pre-season squad this summer, where he caught the eye of new manager Luis Castro.

The Portuguese manager handed Tati his senior debut against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August this year. Although Nantes lost the game 1-0, the French defender earned widespread praise for his assured performance.

Tati went on to start the next five games before missing the 0-0 draw against Stade Brestois due to an adductor injury. The youngster has already amassed 516 minutes of first-team action for the senior side, and has turned heads at the Theatre of Dreams.

United likely to target a new centre-back in 2026

United are expected to target a new centre-back in 2026. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are already on the wrong side of 30 and have begun to show signs of regression.

Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez’s fitness record in recent years has been far from impressive. The Argentine defender has missed 90 games for club and country since joining Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.

The left centre-back position is increasingly becoming a concern for the Red Devils, but Tati could be a long-term replacement for Martinez at the Theatre of Dreams.

The teenager is versatile enough to operate in multiple positions at the back and is already tipped to become the cornerstone of France’s defence in a few years. The left-footed, ball-playing central defender can also cover in the defensive midfield role, making him an enticing prospect for INEOS.

However, several Premier League clubs are already scouting Tati, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool. Barcelona, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly in the race as well, so United are unlikely to have a free run at the youngster.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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