Manchester United believe they may have found the “next Jude Bellingham”, according to reports.

The Daily Mail claim that Red Devils have sent scouts to watch 16-year-old Abdellah Ouazane play for Morocco during the Under-17 African Cup of Nations.

After lighting up the competition with his performances, some have likened Ouazane to the Real Madrid superstar.

Despite being a year younger than many playing in the AFCON tournament, the teenager’s performances have caught the eye of United, who are looking to recruit the most promising talent from around the world.

What do fans need to know about the midfielder?

Ouazane was actually born in Amsterdam, and he has honed his craft at Ajax’s famed academy. He is eligible to play for the Netherlands but he has accepted call-ups to play for the country where his relatives were born.

The youngster has been described as a highly adaptable midfielder who is very capable with the ball at his feet, with good close control, dribbling and passing ability.

Ouazane has an eye for goal too, having scored a brace for Morocco in the AFCON group stage win over Tanzania earlier this month. He was also instrumental in their victory over South Africa which sealed their passage through to the semi-finals.

United have been scouring the globe for young talent

Ouazane is by no means the only promising player that the Red Devils are looking to sign. They have been linked with Como’s Assane Diao, Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

The club recruited Sekou Kone, along with Arsenal’s Chido Obi, last summer as well as bringing in Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu and Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven in January. In addition, Cerro Porteno fullback Diego Leon is set to seal his move to Old Trafford in the next few months.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here