Anisio Cabral: Man United face transfer war with PSG for Benfica starlet | OneFootball

There is optimism around Manchester United following the team’s recent golden run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The Englishman has overseen four consecutive wins since taking charge last month, helping the Red Devils sit fourth in the Premier League table after 25 games.

The English giants have scored 10 goals and conceded just five since Carrick took over, and have played attractive, attacking football that has brought fans to the edge of their seats. With 13 games left in the season, United have already scored 44 goals in the league, equalling their league tally from last campaign.

The Red Devils are reaping the benefits of investing heavily in the attack last summer, with Bryan Mbeumo on fire so far, while Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have also impressed. However, that has not stopped INEOS from planning for the future.

A youth-centric transfer approach

United have adopted a youth-centric transfer approach of late and have targeted emerging talents who are yet to become household names. Alongside the likes of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko, INEOS have also replenished the squad with talents from around the world.

Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and Patrick Dorgu are among the youngsters who have been brought in to build the backbone of the future. While Dorgu, Yoro and Heaven have already been involved with the senior side, there are also high hopes for Leon and Kone.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are expected to invest heavily in the midfield this summer, with established Premier League names such as Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton reportedly on their wish list.

However, United are also exploring the market for untapped potential, and recent reports have suggested that they have unearthed a gem in Caleb Yirenkyi. It now appears that the English giants are also eyeing a young attacking talent from Portugal.

United want Anisio Cabral

According to Media Foot via Sport Witness, United are locked in a battle with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Benfica starlet Anísio Cabral. The 17 year old rose through the ranks at the Estadio da Luz and broke into the first team in January this year.

Cabral has already scored twice in three senior appearances for the Portuguese club, having registered just 20 minutes of first-team action, signifying his immense potential. His efforts have already turned heads at the Parc des Princes, with the Parisians keen to secure his signature.

Anisio Cabral Liga Portugal Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The Portuguese striker has a €65 million release clause in his deal, but the Ligue 1 champions are hoping to get a deal done for €50 million. However, interest from the Premier League giants could ignite a bidding war for the teenager this year, which could drive his price up. Cabral will turn 18 this month, so he will be eligible to move to the UK this summer.

Final Thoughts

United invested a small fortune in Benjamin Sesko last summer, but the uncertainty surrounding Joshua Zirkzee’s future could drive them back to the market this year. The Red Devils already have the talented Chido Obi in their ranks, which does raise questions about a move for Cabral, while the youngster’s steep price tag could also be a deal breaker.

Featured image Luis Branca via Getty Images

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