MANCHESTER. Johan Manzambi’s scintillating performances for Switzerland at the World Cup have left Manchester United with a compelling case to accelerate their pursuit of the Freiburg star, as the 20 year old continues to enhance his burgeoning reputation on the global stage.
The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, scored his third goal of the tournament in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday, a result that secured top spot in Group B for the Swiss . Having previously netted a brace off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina , Manzambi has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the competition.
The reported £43 million valuation placed on the versatile midfielder is beginning to look increasingly prudent, with his market value having skyrocketed from approximately €8 million to a current estimated €50 million over the past year . Freiburg are understood to be holding out for closer to €60/70 million, with his contract running until 2030 .
Interest in the 20 year old extends beyond Manchester United. Premier League champions Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest, while Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has publicly urged his former club to make a move .
“He’s a good player overall. We’ve had him on our list for a while now,” Muller stated on MagentaTV. “You can sense his flexibility. You can also sense his carefree attitude. At the same time, you can already see a certain maturity in his actions, in his decision making, his work ethic” .
The teenager’s ability to operate across multiple positions, from an advanced midfield role to the flanks or even as a forward, has drawn particular praise. Switzerland coach Murat Yakin highlighted his versatility after the Bosnia victory, while national team director Pierluigi Tami declared: “He’s ready for the next step” . His maturity and composure on the ball have already drawn comparisons to elite performers, with Manuel Akanji noting after the Canada match that “he sees things that maybe others don’t see” .
Manchester United are yet to significantly bolster their squad ahead of the new season, though they have already sealed a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson . While West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, Manzambi’s World Cup exploits make him an increasingly difficult prospect to ignore.
The 20 year old has now scored as many World Cup goals as Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, becoming only the third Under 21 player this century to register four or more goal involvements in the tournament, after Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Muller .
For United, the tournament has removed any remaining secrecy surrounding the player’s capabilities. If Bayern Munich heed Muller’s advice and formalise their interest, the Red Devils may be forced to act decisively to secure one of European football’s most coveted young talents.
Reporting by Azuka; Editing by Betandsured team
