Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has always looked to being in the cream of young talent from across the globe. Reuters

Manchester United will face ample competition should they pursue their reported interest in Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi. The Serie B side's general director, Nereo Bonato, claimed that the player was being tracked by United as well as a number of clubs, including Juventus, according to Sky Sports.

In the latest reports, TalkSport have claimed that Roma and Lazio have also joined the running for the highly-rated 18-year-old. The story claims that if Berardi leaves Sassuolo, he would prefer to stay in Italy.

A move for Berardi would be surprising at this stage giving the plethora of strikers in the club's ranks. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson only recently unveiled the signing of 18-year-old Chilean forward Angelo Henriquez.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for another 18-year-old in recent days. The club is said to be monitoring Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo. While the Spaniard was promoted to the first team at the age of 16 last season, his progress has been hit by a serious cruciate ligament injury against Real Madrid last October. The Spain Under-20 international has been likened to former United great Cristiano Ronaldo.

In other speculation, United are interested in Fiorentina prospect Luzayadio "Andy" Bangu, according to Italian website CalcioMercato. According to the story the young Congolese player has been likened to former Dutch great Ruud Gulit. United are said to have sent two scouts to watch Bangu in action for Fiorentina's youth side on Wednesday.

Also in the news is comments from Michael Owen regarding his three-year stay at Old Trafford. The former England international left United on a free transfer this summer and joined Stoke City earlier this month.

After making just four appearances for the first team last season, Owen has said that he regrets signing a new one-year deal with United last summer.

"In hindsight, probably with that extra year, it might have been better if I had moved in many ways," he said, according to BBC Sport.

"I was on the bench a lot of the time, but then when the manager says 'you have a big role to play and we want you to stay for another year,' it was great to hear that from someone like Sir Alex Ferguson."

Owen later went on Twitter to reaffirm that he "loved every minute" that he spent at United.