Manchester United Eye Milton Delgado Move as Boca Juniors Midfielder Faces Uncertain Future

Boca Juniors outcast Milton Delgado on Manchester United radar with bid expected ‘in coming days’

A new name is starting to emerge on Manchester United’s ever-evolving transfer radar—and this time, it’s coming from South America. According to reports from Argentina, the Red Devils are preparing a move for Boca Juniors midfielder Milton Delgado, with an offer potentially landing in the “coming days.”

The 20-year-old was seen as one of Boca’s rising stars earlier this year but has suddenly found himself out of favour under new management. Now, with Boca seemingly open to a deal—especially one that includes a transfer fee north of €11 million—Delgado’s path to Europe may be opening sooner than expected. And Manchester United, fresh off a chaotic and underwhelming 2024 campaign, are reportedly considering taking the plunge.

From Boca breakthrough to bench frustration

Milton Delgado made his senior debut for Boca Juniors in early 2024 under then-manager Fernando Gago. Quick-footed, sharp in possession, and mature beyond his years, Delgado impressed early with his positional intelligence and work rate in midfield. There were even whispers in Buenos Aires that he could become a fixture in the team’s long-term plans.

But football doesn’t often follow a linear path.

Gago’s departure and the arrival of Miguel Angel Russo changed everything. Since Russo’s return to the Boca dugout, Delgado has barely featured. His absence from the squad during the Club World Cup was particularly telling. While other young players were given opportunities, Delgado remained on the fringes—his stock at Boca seemingly falling just as quickly as it had risen.

That dip in favour has not gone unnoticed abroad.

Manchester United monitoring Boca Juniors talent closely

Enter Manchester United. According to Argentine outlet Canal 26, the Premier League giants have been monitoring Delgado’s situation closely. And with the player’s current standing at Boca looking tenuous, United are believed to be preparing a formal offer in the near future.

The report suggests Boca would prefer to offload Delgado to a foreign club rather than to domestic rivals such as Independiente, Godoy Cruz or Tigre—three sides who are also reportedly keeping tabs on the youngster. Selling abroad not only avoids strengthening a league rival but also gives Boca a better chance of securing the kind of fee they believe reflects Delgado’s long-term potential.

At present, the asking price is thought to be in excess of €11 million (£9.4m/$12.9m)—a figure well within United’s reach, especially for a player with significant upside and resale potential.

Ruben Amorim’s rebuild continues

Delgado

The timing of this interest from United also makes strategic sense. New manager Ruben Amorim has arrived at Old Trafford with a clear mandate: to rebuild and rejuvenate a side that slumped to a dismal sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season. The early arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon point to a recruitment strategy focused on youth, technical quality, and long-term growth.

Delgado, should he sign, would likely be considered a project player—someone who could be gradually integrated into the squad or even loaned out for regular minutes. But he would represent yet another step in Amorim’s effort to reshape the midfield with energy, discipline, and tactical intelligence.

Though United have struggled in recent windows to land their top midfield targets, the appeal of snapping up a young international talent before his value skyrockets has always been part of their DNA.

A gamble worth taking?

Of course, signing a relatively untested South American midfielder carries its risks. The Premier League is a different beast from the Argentine Primera División, and not every bright La Bombonera talent adapts well to life in Europe.

But United know that better than most. They’ve watched other clubs benefit handsomely from early investments in South American talent—think of Liverpool’s acquisition of Luis Díaz, or Brighton’s success with Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. For a club aiming to build for the future rather than only patch holes in the present, these are the calculated gambles that often pay off.

What makes Delgado particularly intriguing is his playing style. At just 20, he already displays a calmness on the ball that belies his age. He’s tidy in possession, reads the game well, and doesn’t shy away from defensive responsibility. He may not be the finished product, but the foundation is there. And under the right manager, with time to adapt, he could become an important piece of United’s long-term puzzle.

What next for Boca and Delgado?

Much will now depend on how quickly United move—and whether Boca feel the bid is sufficient. With multiple clubs expressing interest and Boca prioritising a foreign deal, the situation could escalate quickly.

Delgado himself is said to be open to the move. He understands that regular minutes may be hard to come by under Russo, and the idea of a switch to a global giant like Manchester United is undoubtedly appealing. A potential pathway to Europe, an opportunity to work under a coach known for developing young talent, and a fresh start—it’s not hard to see why he might be tempted.

United’s summer plans taking shape

While the move is far from done, it’s clear United are looking to be proactive in the market. With Amorim calling the shots and a fresh vision taking shape, names like Milton Delgado could soon become more familiar to the Old Trafford faithful.

Whether or not he becomes the next midfield star remains to be seen. But if United do complete the signing, it will be another signal that their recruitment strategy is shifting towards youth, promise, and long-term planning—a philosophy that might finally help steer them back to the summit of English and European football.