Madrid was a mess. Five games without a win, Leny Yoro sent off, a 2-0 defeat at the Metropolitano. Yet one Atletico player left a mark on United that night, and a few of our scouts in the stands made a note.

Graeme Bailey reported on October 10 that United are interested in a 2027 deal for Giuliano Simeone. Sources say we made enquiries in the summer of 2026 and haven’t gone away.

Then came Mundo Deportivo on October 12, claiming scouts would run the rule over him in the midweek Champions League game. He gave them plenty to see, collecting a long ball inside the first minute and teeing up Pablo Barrios for the opener.

What Simeone brings to Carrick’s side

Simeone is 23, Argentine, and the son of Atletico boss Diego. Forget any talk of nepotism. He chases everything, presses like a terrier and can play either flank or even up front. His contract runs to 2030, and reports suggest a release clause north of £400m. Good luck with that.

Carrick wants energy, and United have had precious little of it during the worst domestic start in 40 years. Simeone brings exactly that, plus a nasty streak. Bryan Mbeumo, who started in Madrid, is the main man out on the right.

Can Simeone rescue Carrick’s struggling attack?

Partly, and that word matters. Carrick demands a high press and a team that runs, and Simeone ticks both boxes. Put him on the right, shift Mbeumo inside, and United look hungrier at once.

But look at his numbers. Over 100 Atletico appearances have brought 14 goals and 19 assists, decent rather than devastating, and this season he has two goals and two assists. United’s real wound is finishing, not running. A winger who works wonders without scoring won’t drag us up the table alone.

Then there’s the price. A £400m clause is fantasy. Atletico won’t entertain bids, and Diego isn’t about to sell his son to a side that just lost 2-0 in their own stadium. Realistically, United need a striker first and a defensive repair job second.

I’d still keep the scouting going. Carrick can’t ignore a player who made the opening goal in Madrid look so easy, even if 2027 feels like a long shot. Premier League weekends are rougher than Spanish ones, and he’d need to prove he can take the knocks.