The Red Devils have apparently assumed pole position in the race to sign one of the breakout performers of the World Cup.

Manchester United are reported to be leading the race to sign 21-year-old Argentine midfield star Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. Information emerging from Portugal claims that the Red Devils have beaten rivals Liverpool to assume pole position in the race for the youngster and are ready to trigger his release clause set at 120M pounds.

Enzo was one of the standout performers of the just concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar and was extremely instrumental in Argentina's run-in to securing the trophy. Noticiably excellent with his feet, the young midfielder shone in progressing the ball from back to front and honed the role of the deep-lying playmaker. The outstanding display of the Benfica man eventually earned him the Young Player of the Tournament gong after the final, beating the likes of England's Jude Bellingham and Josko Gvardiol and Aurelien Tchouameni.  

It is no secret that Enzo has now become a subject of interest for several top clubs in Europe and a step up in his career is expected to arrive sooner rather than later. Having graduated from the esteemed River Plates academy in Argentina, the World Cup winner was snatched by Benfica for figure in the excess of 15M pounds at the beginning of this season. The value of the player has since shot up and, after just a season in Portugal, he could be on the verge of smashing a transfer record.

Liverpool were believed to be the front-runners in the race for Enzo Fernandez after extensively scouting him at the World Cup. However Bruno Andrade, a Portugal based journalist, has revealed that Manchester United have moved ahead of Jurgen Klopp's side in the race for the player. The Red Devil's have seeming made the signing of the midfielder a priority and are poised to activate his release clause next summer.

Should the move materializes, Enzo will become the seventh signing for Manchester United under Eric Ten Hag, joing the likes of Casemiro, Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka.