Before the summer transfer market opens, Manchester United is apparently keeping a close eye on Brian Gutierrez of the Chicago Fire, despite the fact that other clubs are also reportedly interested in signing the teenager.

What has changed about Gutierrez and Manchester United?

The Daily Mail reports that the American youngster, 19, is being pursued by a number of clubs, including the Red Devils and Rangers of the Scottish Premiership.

The article does add, though, that both United and the Ibrox club might find it challenging to secure a work permit for the 5 foot 10 playmaker, giving the advantage to clubs like Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Girona who are also seeking to seal a deal.

Exactly who is Brian Gutierrez?

After playing a regular part for Chicago in recent seasons, the up-and-coming star has drawn attention. The Illinois native has made 74 appearances for the MLS team since making his senior debut back in 2020, and he has already amassed a significant amount of experience.

Throughout his tenure with the first squad, the adaptable dynamo—who can play on the flanks or in an offensive midfield position—has shown flashes of his talent. He has scored twice and provided 11 assists across all competitions, including four in just 17 games in 2023.

The United States U20 international has unquestionably earned the interest of clubs all over Europe thanks to his early impact. Coach Frank Klopas described the teen as a player who “has it all,” and he also listed the following qualities:

“Good with the ball, work rate, key passes, capacity to outmuscle opponents, technical ability.”

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These qualities seem to have caught Ten Hag and the rest of the coaching staff’s attention, and Gutierrez may end up succeeding Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford in the playmaking role for the foreseeable future. At the moment, it appears that the Portugal international has no real competition in this position.

The 28-year-old was a fixture for United in 2022–23, appearing in 59 games across all competitions and displaying his ability to have an effect in the final third with 14 goals and 15 assists during that span.

The former Sporting CP star, who earns £240k per week, has a creative streak that appears to be the key to his game. He finished first in his division in terms of big chances created (32), and he also averages 7.04 progressive passes per 90 over the course of the last 365 days, showing that he plays with a forward-footed mentality.

The American, who is assessed at £4 million, has also displayed his creative flair after averaging 5.81 progressive passes per 90 over the previous 365 days. Gutierrez is still obviously a young prospect, but he has already showed evidence that he might perhaps repeat Fernandes’ effect in the years to come.

The young prodigy also shares Fernandes’ excellent work ethic off the ball, averaging 1.64 tackles per 90, according to FBref, although marginally ahead of the current United star, who averages 1.79 per 90 for that same metric.

That would imply that Gutierrez would be the ideal choice for Ten Hag if he needs to find a worthy successor to his midfield maestro.