United sign highly-touted Benfica youngster

Manchester United have reportedly completed the signing of highly-rated Benfica youngster Umaro Embaló, according to Portuguese paper Record.

The Reds have been tracking the 16-year-old forward for almost a year, and the Portuguese under-17 international was in action against the Reds in the UEFA Youth League just last month, playing 25 minutes as Benfica drew 2-2 with Nicky Butt’s side in Lisbon.

Embaló, who had also been linked with Real Madrid, will make the move to Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee, and that should be significantly higher than the £4 million offer by United that was reportedly rejected by Benfica in the summer.

The Guinean-born youngster has been prolific for both club and country, having scored 15 times in 18 games for Portugal’s under-17 side. This season, he’s provided one goal and one assist for Benfica in the UEFA Youth League, with the Eagles sitting one point off Basel in third.

Embaló, who has been likened to former Manchester United man Ángel Di María in style, is a quick, direct forward who is often deployed on the right wing, although he is adaptable enough to play anywhere across the frontline.

Once the move is officially complete, he is expected to link up with Kieran McKenna’s under-18 side and if he can prove those comparisons with Di María to be accurate, the future will be bright at the Theatre of Dreams.