United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United are looking to add another teenage center back standout to their ever-growing wealth of young stars.

Yusuf Akcicek, who plays under Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahçe, has emerged as one of the top young talents in Europe this season. According to the Turkish outlet Fanatik, Manchester United is one of several European giants keen on the 19-year-old star.

Akcicek debuted in the 2023/2024 season with a brief appearance in a Turkish Super Lig match but has since received more opportunities this campaign. In 15 appearances across all competitions, he has contributed to six clean sheets, while also scoring twice and assisting a goal.

The 19-year-old made his international debut in Turkey’s 3-0 victory over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League Play-Off during the latest international break.

After a recent match against Galatasaray, Jose Mourinho compared Akcicek to former Red Raphael Varane, saying, “He was amazing. I’m very proud of him, I trust him. He’s not perfect but he will be perfect.

“I don’t want to compare him to Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything. But I played Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I’m not wrong with this kid.

“[He has a] big personality and is very confident.”

Signing Akcicek would complete Manchester United’s teenage center back trio. The Reds already have Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, who have proven to be two of the best young center backs in Europe. A future back three of Yoro, Akcicek, and Heaven would have an optimal blend of size, speed, and aerial dominance that could lead Ruben Amorim’s team from the back.