Manchester United tracking Bouaddi after 18-year-old dazzles Morocco in World Cup opener

Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself on the global stage as Morocco held Brazil in their World Cup group opener, and Manchester United are already among the clubs tracking the Lille teenager.

The 18-year-old dictated Morocco’s tempo throughout, exposing a laboured Casemiro — who was substituted at half-time by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti — with his energy, technical precision and composure on the ball. Bouaddi’s performance was his first at senior international level, yet he played with the authority of a seasoned professional.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi was quick to defend his decision to start the teenager. “It was not a risk to play him just because he’s 18,” Ouahbi said after the match. “I only look at players’ performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he’ll play, or 17. I’m not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters — we were sure and certain that he’d have a big match.”

Ouahbi also pointed to Bouaddi’s existing pedigree, noting that the midfielder has accumulated significant Champions League experience for Lille, including a standout performance against Real Madrid. “He already has a lot in Ligue 1 — it’s not just about his age. He has already played more matches than others older than him,” the Morocco boss added.

United’s interest is not exclusive. Most major European clubs have sent scouts to assess Bouaddi, and his World Cup debut will only accelerate that attention. The immediate consequence is likely to be a sharp rise in Lille’s asking price should they decide to sell. The French club will be well aware of the leverage a sustained tournament run gives them in any future negotiations.

United have been exploring midfield options in recent weeks, having effectively stepped back from a move for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest’s valuation proved prohibitive. Mateus Fernandes has emerged as an alternative target, but Bouaddi’s display will have reinforced his name on the club’s shortlist.

With the World Cup only days old, Bouaddi has already established himself as one of the tournament’s most compelling figures. Whether United move beyond scouting to a concrete offer will depend on how the rest of Morocco’s campaign unfolds — and how high Lille set their price.