Manchester United scout U20 World Cup goalscorer Marcos Leonardo

Brazil's forward Marcos Leonardo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Argentina 2023 U-20 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Tunisia at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in La Plata, Argentina, on May 31, 2023. (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)

Santos striker Marcos Leonardo is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar this summer.

The Brazilian starlet has scored three goals in just two games at the U20 World Cup, which is currently taking place in Argentina.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have sent scouts to the tournament and they’ve been left impressed by Leonardo.

The 20-year-old is no stranger to Premier League speculation either. It was previously suggested that West Ham made attempts to sign him in January and they’ve been tipped to go for him again this summer.

We know from Erik ten Hag’s time at Ajax that the Dutchman is a fan of the South American market, so don’t be surprised to see United act quickly on that front in the coming transfer windows.

The scouting department should be kept busy.

On top of that, Ten Hag needs more options up front and I wouldn’t be against the idea of signing some young talents to fill out the squad with more quality. United need more than one striker this summer, but people want to emphasis the fact we need a top goalscorer to be one of them.

Leonardo – or another Brazilian kid – cannot be expected to come in and become an instant goal machine, but it would help Ten Hag next season if he had more strikers to bring on from the bench.

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