Man Utd's new sporting director can help secure Erik ten Hag 'next Messi' after U17 World Cup scouting mission

Manchester United's potential new sporting director Dougie Freedman could help the club sign 'the next Lionel Messi' following his under 17 World Cup scouting mission.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are planning to bring Freedman, who is currently employed by Crystal Palace, to Old Trafford should Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed deal for a 25% stake in the club prove successful.

Ratcliffe's first move has been to axe chief executive Richard Arnold, who has been replaced by Patrick Stewart on a temporary basis. However, Freedman has been tipped to take on the role when Ratcliffe arrives.

And the Scotsman could prove useful in signing exciting Argentinian prospect, Claudio Echeverri.

The 17-year-old sensation has been dubbed 'the new Messi' after he made his first team debut for River Plate earlier this year.

His form earned him a call-up to the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, where he netted his first goal for his country against Japan.

Freedman is reportedly at the tournament to help scout future talent and could prove vital in negotiations should he join United.

Discussing comparisons to Messi, Echeverri said (quotes via Sportskeeda): “I always said that my idol was Messi, but I’m nowhere near Messi! I also really liked Pablo Aimar, who’s part of the national-team staff, and he’s spoken to me many times.

"He’s a great person, and he gives me useful pointers about what I need to correct in my game. I’d probably say ‘Pablito’, then – he was a talented player and loved to take on defenders like me.”