Manchester United interested in the new Andrea Pirlo

Premier League giants Manchester United sent scouts to watch Brescia teenage sensation Sandro Tonali in action last week. 

The young Italian midfielder, often dubbed as the new Andrea Pirlo in his homeland both due to his playing style and hairstyle, has been monitored by several big clubs across Europe and Manchester United are no exception. 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly very happy with the excellent reports on the starlet as he was closely watched by the scouts in last Monday's goalless draw with Fiorentina. 

It is quite evident that the Red Devils are in dire need for quality players in the middle of the park. They have struggled for form this season and their toothless midfield is a big reason behind that. 

Sandro Tonali certainly looks like a generational talent. The 19-year-old is one of the most sought-after players in Europe due to his immense potential. 

If a player is christened as the 'next Andrea Pirlo' in Italy, he has to be a special talent. However, we have seen many talented youngsters failing to live up to the expectations after being compared to iconic players of the previous generation. 

It heaps a lot of burden on the young shoulders of the youngsters which is not at all ideal for them. 

A source close to Manchester United told the media as reported, "We have known about Tonali for 18 months but our Italian scouts say he has gone to the next level and United need to get involved - he could be a generational talent." 

The 19-year-old broke into the Brescia first team in the 2017/18 season and played a pivotal role for his side last season in their promotion to Serie A. He is a regular for the club in the deep lying playmaker role and does his job exceptionally well for a 19-year-old. 

Tonali's range of passing is really jaw-dropping and it will only get better as he gets more and more experience with age. The teenager dictates the tempo of the game really well and keeps the ball moving, creating attacks for his team just like Pirlo used to do in his prime. 

Being capped once for the Italian senior team despite playing for a team that is sitting 18th on the table is a testament of his quality. If Manchester United hope to sign the promising youngster, they will have to stave off a good amount competition. 

Manchester City, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli and Barcelona have all registered their interest in the youngster and almost all of them are a level above the Red Devils at the moment. This would mean that United would have to move swiftly if they are to acquire this prized Italian asset.

Cover image courtesy - AS