Manchester United Target Hirving Lozano Can Make a Difference for Mexico

After seeing a young George Best in action, scout Bob Bishop sent a telegram to then-Manchester United manager Matt Busby that famously read: "Boss, I think I’ve found you a genius."

Boy, was Bishop right.

The Red Devils signed Best and, despite a busy lifestyle off the pitch, the Northern Irishman became an all-time great at Old Trafford.

These days, of course, scouts don't need to send telegrams to tell a club they've spotted a player with potential.

Whatever method of communication they do use, Manchester United's scouting network in Mexico has alerted the club about the talents of Hirving Lozano.

JULIO CESAR AGUILAR FUENTES/Getty Images

Now, the introduction was not to suggest that the Red Devils may be ready to snap up the next George Best. It's tough to imagine there will ever be another quite like the player once nicknamed "El Beatle."

However, they—along with several other European clubs—are reportedly keen on the Mexican winger.

Lozano showed exactly why he's attracting interest during his second-half cameo for El Tri in the 3-1 win over Uruguay on Sunday.

Summoned from the bench to replace Javier Aquino after 55 minutes of his country's Copa America Centenario opener in Glendale, Arizona, Lozano caught the eye with his pace and persistence.

He played a part in Mexico's second and third goals, including combining with team-mate Raul Jimenez to set up a header for Hector Herrera that made certain of victory in stoppage time.

Potential suitors will have known plenty about Lozano's qualities before Sunday's game.

The 20-year-old arrived at the Copa fresh from a highly productive season with Pachuca that climaxed with a domestic title.

It seems unlikely he will be returning to the same club after completing his international commitments with Mexico in the United States.

Pachuca vice-president Andres Fassi told Record MX (h/t Arindam Rej of ESPN FC):

"

There have been approaches. There will be time to focus on the future of Hirving Lozano.

There is a situation of confidentiality for 30 days with 12 teams. They are evaluating, looking at options, making plans, but I cannot say anything else. Three of the 12 teams are better placed, that is all we can say—due to the confidentiality clauses in place.

Pachuca, for several years, has a structure of great relationship with many teams in England, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Some agreements allow the players to go to Europe in the future.

"

While Fassi didn't mention them by name, Manchester United are believed to be one of Lozano's suitors. Tom Marshall of ESPN FC reported the English club's interest in the player back in April.

In the same month, Jack Gaughan of the MailOnline discussed Lozano with scout Neil McGuinness, who said: "Lozano is a player that I have been watching for years and have recommended to many—which is why I am amazed that he is still playing in Mexico. At 20 he has already been in the first-team setup for seasons."

Lozano might not be waiting much longer for his chance to play in Europe. However, before he can negotiate a new home, he must first focus on helping his country.

Mexico's triumph over Uruguay puts them in pole position to win Group C. If they finish top, they could avoid a quarter-final clash with Argentina, who seized control of Group D by beating reigning champions Chile 2-1 on Monday.

Still, Juan Carlos Osorio's side cannot get too far ahead of themselves. Next up they have Jamaica in a repeat of the 2015 Gold Cup final—Mexico won 3-1 on that occasion. 

Andres Guardado scored one of their goals in the win, but the midfielder will miss the game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, through suspension.

While Osorio has to make a change in midfield with Guardado missing due to his red card against Uruguay, he also has to fathom out who will start on the wings.

Aquino and Jesus Manuel Corona did nothing wrong in the Copa opener. For the first 45 minutes, El Tri were outstanding.

Lozano can only hope he did enough after coming on to earn a starting berth. But, if he is on the bench again on Thursday, his pace is an asset that will likely be used against tiring defenders after the interval.

As well as being quick, he's also versatile. 

According to Transfermarkt.co.uk, Lozano started on the left wing for Pachuca last season on 30 occasions. However, he also appeared on the right, and in the middle, of the forward line.

That ability to play anywhere across the front should delight Osorio, a coach who preaches flexibility to his players.

That is not quite the case with Jose Mourinho. The new Manchester United manager likes his wide men to work hard going backwards as well as forwards.

The transfer talk doesn't seem to have turned Lozano's head. He refused to comment on speculation over his future at a press conference after training on Tuesday.

According to Jon Arnold of Goal, the player said: "I think first, I’m going to focus here on the national team, finish this tournament well and, well, obviously after that see what happens."

Quite right too. Mexico have high hopes this could be the year they lift the Copa America trophy for the first time in their history.

Wherever he's positioned, and whether he starts or comes on as an impact sub, Lozano can be a pivotal player for El Tri.