Manchester United must swoop for Barcelona wonderkid Cristiano Ronaldo tips to win Ballon d'Or

Lamine Yamal, 17, was a player on the lips of every fan during Euro 2024 amid a sensational campaign for Spain. The Spanish starlet starred for Luis de la Fuente's La Roja, posting one goal and four assists in seven games. He was instrumental in the Spaniards reigning supreme in Germany.

Manchester United has a history of using youth to achieve success. Alejandro Garnacho, 20, and Kobbie Mainoo, 19, are the latest young gems shining at Old Trafford. The duo are, without a doubt, two of the Reds' most important players.

Thus, it's evident that United still place their faith in youth despite a rocky period for the club. A rebuild is underway under new co-owners INEOS and they have tussled with Europe's heavyweights for talent such as 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro. Real Madrid were heavily interested in the former LOSC Lille teenage prospect but missed out to the Reds.

Barcelona could be forced to sell Lamine Yamal, Manchester United should swoop

According to The Independent's Miguel Delaney, Barcelona might be forced to cash in on Yamal due to their financial situation. The Catalans are still experiencing economic issues that have plagued the club for several years in the post-Lionel Messi era.


Yamal has flourished at Camp Nou this season, with five goals and seven assists in 13 games across competitions. It comes after a breakout campaign where he became the Blaugrana's youngest-ever player and goalscorer.


The report adds that Arsenal and Liverpool are contenders to sign Yamal if he becomes available. Paris Saint-Germain previously tried signing the 17-cap Spain international but failed with a staggering €200 million offer.


Manchester United could show Europe they mean business by entering the race for Yamal, and he'd certainly be a needed signing. The Red Devils have struggled for creativity and an end product this season, and he'd be perfect on the right wing.

"This new generation are going to do well" - Cristiano Ronaldo tipped Yamal to win the Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo named Yamal as one of four European superstars he believes have a Ballon d'Or win in their future. The Manchester United icon told Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel:

"Kylian Mbappe can win the Ballon d’Or for next few years, probably Haaland, Bellingham. Lamine Yamal too. "I think this new generation are going to do very well."

That's high praise from Ronaldo who won five Ballons d'Or, one at United, during his illustrious European career. The Al-Nassr frontman clearly feels Yamal has the ability to be among the greatest of his generation.

Ronaldo enjoyed a similar meteoric rise at a young age when he joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in 2003. He became an Old Trafford icon, posting 145 goals in 346 games, winning the European Golden Boot, three Premier League titles and his first of five Champions League trophies.

Red Devil Armada Verdict

Unfortunately, given Manchester United's current situation, it is extremely unlikely that they would be successful in pursuing Yamal. He's a Ballon d'Or contender and is competing at the top of European football in the Champions League with Barcelona.

If Barca were to put him on the market then United should at least put themselves in contention. Anything to prevent Liverpool from signing him as Mohamed Salah's long-term replacement.