Manchester United Revives Transfer Plans For 'New Lionel Messi,' Report Says

Manchester United is reportedly revisiting its transfer plans for Thiago Almada, the teenage sensation whom some regard as the “new Lionel Messi” in Argentina.

Following an impressive run with Velez Sarsfield this season, Almada is once again on the radar of the biggest clubs in Europe. Manchester City has always been linked to Almada, but United has also revived its interest in the wonderkid, Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb reported.

The Red Devils reportedly shortlisted Alamada as a target in June, but a deal never came to fruition. Some reports at the time said that the teenager prefers a move to City rather than United because of his idol Carlos Tevez, a former Citizens star. Almada is believed to be eager to follow the footsteps of Tevez, who inspired his playing style growing up.

But according to the prospect himself, his preferred destination is neither United nor City. Instead, Almada wants to be managed by renowned Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, hinting at a potential future move to Leeds United.

“I would like [Marcelo] Bielsa to coach me,” Almada told TyC Sports in June. “My friends sent me something about Bielsa, but I am calm. Whether it happens or not, we have to see. I don’t watch much soccer, but I saw some Leeds highlights and I saw something similar to what we did in Vélez with Heinze.”

Unlike the “classic Argentine” player who often “thrives on tears and emotion,” Almada’s style of playing proves that he is already matured inside the pitch, Tuttomercatoweb noted. Even more interesting is that Almada has earned comparisons with Argentine soccer icon Messi.

At 5-foot-7, Almada shares almost the same body frame as Messi. However, it is his dribbling skills and exceptional ability to escape defenders through tight spaces that reportedly make his game identical to the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Almada was off to a hot start this season, scoring five goals in five games for the Buenos Aires side. His brace allowed Velez Sarsfield to beat Deportivo Calì in the first leg of the first knockout round of the Copa Sudamericana. Despite naturally being an attacking midfielder, the 19-year-old has adapted well to Gabriel Heinze's 4-3-3 formation, covering the role of versatile left and right-winger.

Aside from having an impressive club resume, Almada has also played well for the national team, He has represented Argentina at the under-20 level, winning seven caps and scoring one goal.