Man Utd Defeat Real, Dortmund To Sign Atletico’s 'Jewel' Who Idolizes Ronaldo: Report

Manchester United reportedly have defeated Real Madrid and Dortmund in the race to sign 16-year-old striker Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid.

The wonderkid, Garnacho, who has grown up idolizing former Man Utd superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has come up through the Atletico youth ranks and isa promising player. It is understood that the Wanda Metropolitano side was desperate to retain the teenage sensation, but failed to do so when Man Utd approached them.

Spanish publication Marca has revealed that the Old Trafford side has signed the Atletico Under-19 star on a five-year contract. The young forward is expected to arrive at Old Trafford later this week but will have to undergo quarantine for 14 days.

The 16-year-old is Man Utd's third signing from Spain this summer as the club is looking to boost its academy. Earlier, the Old Trafford's academy roped in Marc Jurado from Barcelona and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid. The new signings have started English lessons and have been introduced to their new coaches through Zoom calls.

Garnacho chose to move to Man Utd despite receiving offers from other top European clubs such as Real Madrid. The Marca report has suggested that Garnacho, who is known as Atletico's "Jewel", is evidently being viewed as a long-term prospect at Old Trafford.

His idol, Ronaldo, had also moved to Man Utd from his native club Sporting Lisbon in 2003. There was no looking back for the Portuguese after that as he went on to become a star at Old Trafford. He spent six years in England, winning almost everything before he embraced a new challenge and joined Real Madrid in 2009.

Ronaldo, who has won five Champions League titles (4 with Real Madrid and 1 with Man Utd) and lifted five Ballon d'Or awards, currently plays for Serie A side Juventus. Last season, the 35-year-old Ronaldo was Juventus' best by far. He netted 37 goals across all tournaments and the next best for The Old Lady was 26-year-old Paulo Dybala, who had managed just 17 goals.