Manchester United Eye World Cup Breakout Star Christ Inao Oulai as Midfield Overhaul Continues

Manchester United have been making moves this summer. Andrey Santos is in. Ederson is out. Youri Tielemans is on his way. But the club might not be done yet. According to reports out of Italy, United have also made inquiries about Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulai, one of the standout young players at this year’s World Cup.

The 20-year-old currently plays for Trabzonspor in Turkey, but his performances in North America have put him on a lot of radars. Oulai appeared in four matches for the Ivory Coast and showed real composure on the ball. He’s not just a passer, either. He works hard off it, too. Some scouts have compared him to Andrés Iniesta for the way he breaks through midfield lines and changes the tempo of a game.

It’s not like United just noticed him last month. Back in December, The Peoples Person reported that the club had already held talks with his representatives. So this is a long-term scouting project, not a panic buy after a few good World Cup games.

Oulai’s skill set fits what United need

United have been stockpiling midfielders this window, but Oulai offers something a little different. He’s dynamic, keeps the ball under pressure, and isn’t afraid to take risks in the final third. AfricaFoot called him one of the revelations of the World Cup, and that kind of buzz tends to attract attention from bigger clubs.

Everton are reportedly interested too. But the fact that United — even with all their recent business — are still looking at Oulai says something. The club clearly wants to build depth and youth in the middle of the park.

Another name that keeps popping up is Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, a Moroccan midfielder who also impressed at the World Cup. United have been tracking him since the start of the season, per separate reports. So it looks like INEOS are casting a wide net for young, high-upside midfielders.

Oulai probably isn’t a starter at Old Trafford right away. But he’s the kind of signing that pays off in two or three years — assuming they get him before someone else does.