Jason Wilcox’s Man United scouting mission to watch Argentina’s U-17 match-winner Felipe Esquivel

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TBR Football understands Manchester United are on the trail of Felipe Esquivel, the Argentine who stole the show on the opening day of the U-17 World Cup finals in Qatar.

The River Plate prospect, who turned 17 earlier this summer, is yet to make his first-team bow, but he is already well known to several European clubs.

Esquivel is part of the Argentina U-17 squad and widely regarded as one of the best talents at the tournament.

The teenager came off the bench in their opening game against Belgium to fire home a brilliant winner, as Argentina came from behind to win 3-2.

Sources: Man United have been watching Argentina U-17 star Felipe Esquivel

Manchester United were one of a host of clubs present at the Aspire Zone in Doha on Monday to witness the 3-2 win for Argentina, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

BlueCo, City Group, Red Bull, Brighton and Hove Albion, Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco were also believed to have been in attendance.

Despite not being a first-team regular for River, the club are well aware of Felipe Esquivel’s potential and the mounting interest from Europe.

Indeed, River sources have also confirmed that Esquivel signed a new three-year deal before leaving for the Middle East, which includes a £88 million release clause.

River have made sure they lock in Esquivel’s potential value, having sold Franco Mastantuono to Real Madrid for less than £35 million, and they don’t want a repeat of that situation.

Speaking about the teenager’s next step, Bailey told TBR Football: “United through Jason Wilcox are working hard on their youth ranks and making sure they don’t miss out. Esquivel is one they like and have been following for a little while now.”

Felipe Esquivel’s impressive display against Belgium U-17

Esquivel showed Argentina’s U-17 coach, Diego Placente, that he should start with an impressive display against Belgium U-17.

The youngster came off the bench and turned the game on its head with a goal and an assist in just 34 minutes.

Next up for the young Argentine team is Tunisia on Thursday, who just thrashed Fiji 6-0 in their opening game of the tournament.