There have been more than a few standouts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one who has taken well to his role on the big stage is Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old Mexico midfielder earned his way into the starting lineup for El Tri, and on Tuesday became the youngest player to start in a World Cup knockout match since Pele emerged for Brazil. Mora became the youngest player to feature for Mexico at the tournament since Manuel Rosas in 1930 in the opening match of the tournament.
Mora, who plays for Club
Tijuana, already has 50 senior Liga MX appearances to his name with eight goals in two full seasons. He also featured for the club in the Leagues Cup last season, scoring a brace against LA Galaxy.
With his meteoric rise, the young midfielder gained plenty of attention from overseas scouts, with Manchester United mentioned as one such team by Fichaejes, a Mexican football news and transfer rumor outlet.
Mora’s current deal with Tijuana runs through the summer of 2029, but his rising profile will continue to draw the attention of clubs in Europe. There were also links recently to Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Whether Mora is open to a move abroad so soon is another matter. United has, however, proven interested in further scouting North and South America in recent years. The club recently made moves to sign Paraguay youngster Diego Leon, and 17-year-old Colombia midfielder Cristian Orozco is set to arrive soon for a medical.
Should the interest in Mora manifest into something more, there will certainly be competition, but United would do well to scout the young talent in an area of need on the pitch.
