According to Africa Foot, a website focusing on African sports news, Manchester United and Manchester City are competing for the 15-year-old Burkina Faso youngster Mohamed Zongo. Both clubs have expressed interest in the Tenakourou youth training academy where the youngster is located.

In the ongoing U17 World Cup, Zongo shined and helped Burkina Faso break into the top 8. In the process, he scored two goals and provided three assists, becoming one of the brightest rising stars in the competition. In addition to Manchester City and Manchester United, Anderlecht and Villarreal are also interested in Zongo.

Since no agreement has been reached and the players are still developing domestically, this battle is still in the early investigation and negotiation stage rather than the formal bidding stage. Zongo has been allowed to remain at the Tenakourou academy while clubs make long-term plans for his future in European football. The situation is still full of uncertainties, and both clubs are confident that they can provide the most attractive development plan for the talent.

Zongo's rise comes at a time when both Manchester clubs are actively expanding their recruitment networks for young players. City are known for signing top young players across the globe and view Zongo as a midfielder with high potential who can both break into the first team and generate long-term value within their City Football Group model. His creativity, enterprise and defensive intelligence are in line with the club's emphasis on youth players with versatile attributes and technical well-rounded skills.

At the same time, Manchester United is undergoing a structural restructuring under the leadership of Ineos Group, with the recruitment of young players as the key to restoring the club's identity. The success of a number of young players in recent years and the signing of former Under-17 World Cup star Sekou Kone have underlined the club's determination to acquire young talent before their prices soar. Zongo's versatility as a No. 10, versatile midfielder or wide playmaker is a perfect fit for Amorim's long-term tactical system, which values ​​players' intelligence, mobility and ball-carrying ability.

The rivalry between the two clubs adds an extra layer of intensity, as both sides understand the symbolic and competitive significance of winning the battle at the youth level. Losing a talent like Zongo to a crosstown rival would be seen as a major mistake, especially considering he has been hailed as the "new Yaya Toure" based on his physical maturity and all-around impact. As a result, both clubs are preparing stronger proposals and negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming months.