When Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS team took over Manchester United’s sporting operations, the British billionaire made intriguing comments about recruitment. He ruled out the club swooping for a superstar such as Kylian Mbappe.
Ratcliffe instead tasked his transfer chiefs with scouring the globe for youth who have shown world class potential. He told Geraint Jones on the Cycling Club podcast in March 2024:
“It’s not that clever buying Mbappe, anyone can figure that one out. What’s much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or Jude Bellingham or Roy Keane.”
United’s recruitment in recent transfer windows aligns with those comments. Chido Obi, 17, Diego Leon, 18, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, 18, and Patrick Dorgu, 20, have all arrived at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United’s Kroupi curiosity
INEOS’ strategy of targeting youth is likely to continue this summer. They seem to be on alert amid the rise of Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi.
The French starlet has enjoyed a breakout season at the Vitality and earned a regular starting role under Andoni Iraola. He has bagged eight goals in 21 games during his debut campaign with the Cherries.
The 19-year-old’s stock is continuing to grow, and with that, so too is interest in signing him. United are one of several clubs reportedly “keeping tabs” on the former FC Lorient teenager.
Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that there have been no approaches for the France U21 international. The situation could change, though, as he recently changed agents, which suggests he’s preparing for a move in the summer.
Kroupi joined Bournemouth in early 2025 before spending the rest of the season on loan with boyhood club Lorient. He officially arrived on the South Coast in the summer and has become one of Europe’s most in-demand teenage attacking talents.
The next Kylian Mbappe?
There is plenty of hype around Kroupi, and in France, there is a belief he could reach Mbappe’s level. His fellow countryman has been one of Europe’s best attackers ever since he broke onto the scene at AS Monaco at the age of 16.
Mbappe was Europe’s most prolific frontman last year, posting 31 goals to claim the European Golden Boot. He is in red-hot form at Real Madrid this season, firing Los Blancos to the top of the La Liga table.
Kroupi has a long way to go to come anywhere close to replicating Mbappe’s success. He’s still at the very start of his career and is starting to write his name up in lights.
That said, former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko certainly sees similarities in both players’ games. Kroupi’s former Lorient teammate said (via the Premier League’s official website):
“He’s a phenomenon. He reminds me a little of [Kylian] Mbappe in the maturity of his game.”
That’s high praise for a teenage prospect who has yet to even experience Champions League football. It speaks volumes about his enormous potential.
Manchester United can expect to face heavy competition for the Bournemouth wonderkid should they opt to make a move this summer. INEOS have the chance to put Ratcliffe’s vision into practice by swooping for the French striker.
