Oct 25, 2026 9:49 AM
While monitoring Porto starlet Oskar Pietuszewski, United scouts instead witnessed a breakout display from Esmir Bajraktarevic with the Bosnian winger now forcing his way onto Old Trafford’s radar.
Manchester United could have a new young winger on their radar after reportedly sending scouts to watch Porto’s Champions League meeting with PSV, where Esmir Bajraktarevic caught the eye despite not yet being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, as relayed by The Sun, United were among several top clubs to send representatives to Tuesday’s match in Portugal. The scouting mission was reportedly focused on Porto teenager Oskar Pietuszewski, but the young forward endured a difficult evening as PSV claimed a 1-0 victory.
Instead, it was Bajraktarevic who emerged as one of the notable performers, with local media praising the 21-year-old for standing out during an impressive team display from the Dutch side.
Pietuszewski joined Porto from Polish club Jagiellonia [IMAGO/NurPhoto]Oskar Pietuszewski struggles to impress
United have previously been linked with Pietuszewski, who joined Porto from Polish club Jagiellonia for a reported £8.4 million at the age of 17.
The Poland international has made a promising start to life in Portugal. Now 18, he scored three goals during his debut half-season in the Portuguese top flight and has continued to contribute this campaign, largely as an impact substitute.
However, he was unable to make the same impression against PSV and was substituted before the hour mark as Porto fell to defeat.
With United reportedly among those monitoring the match, Pietuszewski’s performance may not have provided the assessment the visiting scouts had hoped for. Meanwhile, Bajraktarevic offered a reminder that emerging talent can come from the opposing side, too.
Bajraktarevic emerged as one of the notable performers [IMAGO/Pro Shots]Esmir Bajraktarevic makes his case
Although Manchester United have not yet been linked with Bajraktarevic, his performance could put him on the club’s list of players to monitor as they continue assessing young attacking talent.
Born in Wisconsin, the winger represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally and was included in the national team’s squad for the World Cup this summer.
Bajraktarevic is still working towards establishing himself as a regular starter at PSV, but he has made effective use of his opportunities. He has recorded one goal and two assists in just 193 minutes of Eredivisie football this season, while scoring seven goals across all competitions last term.
Those numbers underline his ability to contribute despite limited playing time, making him a player worth watching as his role at PSV develops.
United reportedly were among those monitoring the match between PSV and FC Porto [IMAGO/Gribaudi/ImagePhoto]Could United revisit their options in January?
With the January transfer window approaching, Bajraktarevic could become an intriguing name for clubs assessing young wide players. His international experience, output in limited league minutes and ability to attract attention in a high-profile European fixture may strengthen his case for further scouting.
For now, there is no indication that Manchester United have made an approach or formally registered an interest in the PSV winger. Their reported presence at Porto’s Champions League clash was associated with Pietuszewski, rather than Bajraktarevic.
However, the 21-year-old’s display ensured that the match offered another potential name for scouts to consider. Whether United follow up their initial observations remains to be seen, but Bajraktarevic may be one to watch in the months ahead.
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