Gilberto Mora: United give up on Mexican wonderkid

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The Peoples Person

2 July 2026

Manchester United

under INEOS have become known for their aggressive youth-oriented transfer policy.

The likes of

Ayden Heaven

and

Leny Yoro

are proof that this strategy works, with the Red Devils also snapping up Diego Leon and

Cristian Orozco

from South America in recent times.

One wonderkid who has set the World Cup alight is

Gilberto Mora

of Mexico, and naturally, plenty of Europe’s elites are chasing his signature.

The 20-time English league champions have been at the

front of the queue

, having scouted him for more than six months.

The 17-year-old can play across the front line, and already has 10 senior goals for his club side, Tijuana, where he is under contract until 2029. That agreement includes a release clause in the region of £20 million.

However,

The Mirror

have now reported that United have left the race due to the potential of a bidding war breaking out.

The Mexican wonderkid is represented by Rafaela Pimenta, who is known to drive a hard bargain and is always on the lookout for the best possible deal.

And as seen with United’s failed pursuits of

Elliot Anderson

Sandro Tonali

Mateus Fernandes

, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not entertain the idea of overpaying even if that means losing out on top targets.

“Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Mexican sensation

. United have spent six months monitoring Mora. Club scouts have also watched his progress at the World Cup, where Mora has helped co-hosts Mexico reach the last 16.

“But the teenager’s impressive performances have also attracted strong interest from some of United’s biggest rivals. These include neighbours Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“And while United are still keen to consider the world’s brightest young talent, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not prepared to get involved in a bidding war for Mora.

“The 17-year-old has just signed a new long-term deal with Tijuana. But the deal includes a buy-out clause of £20m, designed to secure him a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.”

Whether this stance from United will come back to bite them remains to be seen. If

were to join a Premier League rival, fans would not be too pleased.

Feature image Agustin Cuevas via Getty Images

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