Manchester United are not unknown to bringing in talented youngsters and groom them into potential world-beaters. Sir Alex Ferguson had done it time and again, and his entire football philosophy was built around this belief. It seems history is there to repeat itself as ESPN now states that Man United will sign Barcelona wonder-kid Marc Jurado as has been reported by their sources. If reports are to be believed, he has turned down a contract with the Catalonia club in favour of a move to England.
Who is Marc Jurado?
16-year-old Jurado was being viewed by many in the Spanish club as the next generation star after the youngster impressed one and all with his performances. Jurado joined the Catalans at the age of seven and was inducted into the La Masia along with other talented players. He was integrated into the Juvenil A side and was in contention to be in the Barca B side soon.
A right-back by trade, Jurado is everything that managers wish for from a wing-back. He can move up the pitch and make a remarkable contribution at the attacking end for his team. He has a good goal scoring record, putting the ball in the net six times in a season for FCB Cadete B. In the MIC 2016 tournament, he scored a headed goal against Real Madrid which many would remember, and which played a big part in their victory against the Madrid side.
Why should Man United go for him?
The answer to this question lies in Gerard Piqué, the youngster that Manchester United acquired from Barcelona. Piqué was acquired by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2004, and the Spanish star made quite a name for himself before finally returning to his homeland. Jurado can follow the footsteps of Piqué, now that another protégé of Sir Alex, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, is in charge of the United team.
What are the prospects of the youngster?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a decent player for Man United this term, after the initial hiccup. The Ex Crystal Palace right-back has made the position his own, and given the fact that he is only 22 years of age, it would be natural for him to excel at the club for a long time.
However, they are still short of a reliable alternative with Dalot as the only option. Under these circumstances, Marc Jurado, within a couple of years, could graduate from the academy into the first team and give competition to Wan-Bissaka for a first-team place.
