Ryan Giggs reveals Man Utd passed on teenage Kylian Mbappé after scouting trip
Ryan Giggs has revealed Manchester United watched Kylian Mbappé as a Monaco teenager in 2015 but chose not to pursue a deal after a scouting assessment in Paris.
United were alerted to Mbappé during Giggs coaching spell
Giggs said he first heard about Mbappé while working under Louis van Gaal at United, where he served as assistant manager between 2014 and 2016.
During a stay in the south of France, Giggs was approached near his hotel by a United supporter named Lionel, who followed youth football closely in France. The fan urged the former winger to look at a Monaco prospect he believed had the level for Old Trafford.
Giggs received further information by email several weeks later and began reviewing footage with fellow United assistant Albert Stuivenberg, now part of Arsenal’s coaching staff.
The pair watched Monaco youth matches and Giggs said Mbappé immediately stood out. “You can see players and they can be special, but he did look exceptional,” he said.
Scouting trip did not lead to a move
- Giggs was told about Monaco youngster Mbappé during 2015.
- He and Stuivenberg watched youth-game footage and flagged the forward to United’s recruitment staff.
- A club scout travelled to Paris to see Monaco face PSG.
- United decided they were unconvinced and did not advance their interest.
Giggs said he later asked for feedback from the viewing and was told the scout had not been fully persuaded by Mbappé’s performance. United then dropped the matter.
The decision came before Mbappé’s senior breakthrough transformed him into one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Mbappé’s route after Monaco
Mbappé subsequently left Monaco for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 on an initial season-long loan. PSG completed the permanent transfer a year later.
- Giggs was United assistant manager when Mbappé was brought to his attention.
- Albert Stuivenberg helped Giggs assess the Monaco teenager.
- United’s scouting department watched Mbappé in a Monaco match against PSG.
- The club did not make a move after that report.
What happens next
Giggs’ full interview is scheduled to be released at 9.00 UK time on Wednesday 9 September.
