Man Utd plotting move for “superstar” playmaker who carries teams “like Maradona”
Manchester United are reportedly considering a major attacking addition next summer, with Mauricio Pochettino facing important decisions over the futures of several established players.
The Argentine was officially confirmed as United’s new manager on Friday and will begin work at Old Trafford on 18 November, but is already facing the prospect of losing the club captain.
Bruno Fernandes rejects second Man Utd contract offer
One of Pochettino’s early challenges will be resolving the future of Bruno Fernandes, whose long-term position at Manchester United has become increasingly uncertain.
The Portuguese midfielder has rejected a second offer to extend his contract, despite United holding discussions with his representatives over recent months.
Fernandes, 32, is currently due to become a free agent next summer, although United can activate an additional 12 months on his existing agreement, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2028.
The club are expected to exercise that option before January if an agreement cannot be reached, preventing Fernandes from entering the final six months of his contract and negotiating a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
Despite scoring six goals in 13 appearances this season, Fernandes has struggled to replicate his outstanding performances from last term, when he broke the Premier League assists record.
His future could depend partly on Pochettino’s plans, with United facing the possibility of needing to replace their captain next summer if talks fail to progress.
Man Utd monitoring Nico Paz ahead of potential summer transfer
According to The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United are tracking Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The 22-year-old Argentina international has been outstanding under Cesc Fàbregas this season, registering six goals and eight assists in just 14 appearances.
United reportedly identified Paz as a potential target before his memorable performance against Michael Carrick’s side in October, with his displays in Serie A attracting considerable attention.
The former Real Madrid youngster has predominantly operated as a No.10 for Como, although he is also comfortable playing on the right wing, providing versatility that could appeal to Pochettino.
However, any potential deal is complicated by Madrid’s involvement.
Paz left the Spanish giants for Como in 2024, but his former club retain a buy-back option reportedly worth £67m that can be activated next summer.
Interestingly, the Argentine is understood to have rejected an opportunity to return to Madrid earlier this year, when the Spanish club could have re-signed him for significantly less.
Nico Paz compared to Maradona after destroying Man Utd
United have already experienced Paz’s quality first-hand, with the Argentine producing an extraordinary performance during Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Carrick’s side on 21 October.
The midfielder scored twice and provided an assist, contributing directly to Como’s opening three goals as TNT commentator Adam Summerton labelled him a “real superstar”.
|
Nico Paz vs Man Utd |
Total |
|---|---|
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Shots on target |
4/4 |
|
Successful dribbles |
3 |
|
Fouls won |
3 |
|
Tackles |
2 |
|
Interceptions |
2 |
|
Whoscored rating |
10.0/10 |
His performance earned remarkable praise from Portugal manager Roberto Martínez, who was working as a UEFA technical observer for the match.
“He executed two goals and an assist in the first three goals. That’s star material. It was like watching Maradona, watching that type of player that gets the team on his shoulders.”
With United already interested before that Champions League encounter, his match-winning display will only have strengthened the case for a future move.
Whether Pochettino ultimately pursues the Argentine could depend on Fernandes’ future, but Paz has already shown he possesses the quality to cause United serious problems.
