Man United ‘send scouts to watch next Raphael Varane’ in Europa League action – after Jose Mourinho hailed wonderkid for ‘saving my a***’

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the progress of Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek.

Akcicek, 19, has played 13 times for the Turkish giants this season after breaking into the team over recent months.

The 19-year-old, who previously spent time in the academy of Fenerbahce’s arch-rivals Galatasaray, has similarly been a regular in the Europa League.

This included playing the full 90 minutes of both legs of their knockout play-off round victory against Anderlecht, with Akcicek scoring in the second leg.

Fenerbahce are now set to take on Rangers on Thursday night in the first leg of their last-16 tie. 

And, according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, United – who travel to Real Sociedad tonight – will send scouts to Turkey to watch Akcicek in action.

Akcicek (right), 19, has broken into the Fenerbahce team over recent months and impressed

Jose Mourinho recently heaped praise on Akcicek after his performance against Galatasaray

The report adds that Akcicek, who can play as a left back or centre back, has been tipped for a bright future in the game.

While the defender is yet to be called-up by Turkey, he has progressed through their youth teams and recently impressed in Fenerbahce’s 0-0 draw against Galatasaray.

And, speaking after the game, Mourinho heaped praise on Akcicek and pointed to one former United star who the 19-year-old could follow in the footsteps of.

‘To play the kid in a match like that, 19-years-old, he saved my a****,’ Mourinho said.

‘He was amazing. I’m very proud of him and I trust him. He’s not perfect but he will be perfect.

‘I don’t want to compare him to Rapha Varane because Rapha Varane has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything.

‘But I had Rapha Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I am not wrong with this kid. (He has a) big personality and is very confident.’

The report goes onto add that Tottenham have also monitored Akcicek, who is under contract until 2028, as he continues to attract the attention of top European clubs.

Mourinho also claimed that Akcicek has a similar ceiling to former United star Raphael Varane

Akcicek had spent time in the academy system of Fenerbahce’s arch-rivals Galatasaray

The addition of another defender would be ideal for Amorim given the demands his 3-4-3 system places on the backline.

United recently added Ayden Heaven from Arsenal – and the 18-year-old made his debut in the FA Cup defeat by Fulham on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils also have the likes of Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans among their ranks, although the latter two are expected to depart this summer when their contracts expire. 

United currently sit 14th in the Premier League, 14 points off the top four in what has been a dismal campaign.

After Thursday’s clash at Real Sociedad, Amorim’s side host Arsenal on Sunday before they take on the Spanish outfit in the second leg of their last-16 tie next week.