Dell: Manchester United target edging closer to 2026 Manchester City move | OneFootball

Manchester United have suffered a setback in their pursuit of emerging Brazilian striker Dell. The Red Devils addressed their goalscoring woes this summer by adding Premier League-proven quality in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The Premier League giants also signed highly rated Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig to take over the No. 9 position, which has been the club’s bane for a while.

The 22 year old is currently sidelined with a knee injury, but there are high hopes at United that he will be a hit at the Theatre of Dreams.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils are already planning for the future and want to ensure that there is no shortage of quality in the position in the coming years. The English giants are subsequently eyeing rising talents from across the globe and a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that they have identified Dell as an option for the job.

The new Haaland

Dell rose through the ranks at Bahia before breaking into the senior team this year. Still only 17, the Brazilian’s performances have already endeared him to the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The teenager also caught the eye with the Brazil Under-17 side at the recent Under-17 World Cup, where he notably scored a brace in a 7-0 win over Honduras. Dell ended the tournament with five goals, the third most in this year’s edition.

Top Goalscorers at the 2025 FIFA Under 17 World Cup

Source: Wikipedia.

United reportedly sent scouts to monitor the player during this year’s tournament in Qatar, and they would have been pleased with his performances. However, it now appears that winning the race for his signature will not be easy.

City leading Dell race

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester City are already discussing a possible move for Dell in 2026. The report adds that Bahia are part of the City Football Group, which gives them an advantage in the race.

“Manchester City are favourites ahead of Manchester United to sign Brazil’s striker sensation, Dell, TEAMtalk understands, as the youngster’s standout form and sky-high potential spark comparisons with Erling Haaland.”

“Man City, under Pep Guardiola, were well-versed on Dell’s potential before the tournament in Qatar, where he impressed a huge number of sides. United were among those particularly impressed by Dell, who is known in his homeland as the “Haaland of Sertao.”

“But now his path could very well be to follow in Haaland’s footsteps to the Etihad. TEAMtalk is told by sources that Man City and City Group’s hierarchy are discussing Dell’s future, given that the teenager is eligible to move to Europe next summer, but they could look to finalise a deal early in 2026.”

“TEAMtalk understands that Dell is open to moving next summer, but whether he starts in England with Man City or elsewhere within their group remains to be seen. At this point, it seems United or any other team outside City Group have a major task on their hands to land him.”

The update is unlikely to be received well behind the scenes at Old Trafford, as it appears United are in danger of missing out on one of Brazil’s most exciting young talents.

Final Thoughts

United’s lack of success and planning in the recent past is now coming back to haunt them. City, by contrast, are reaping the benefits of a well-planned approach.

However, with INEOS installing a football structure at Old Trafford, things are looking bright for the future. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim will also have to find success on the pitch and help the club return to their glory days. That would help them win the race for emerging talents like Dell.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social