Manchester United’s search for the next generation of top talent has taken an unexpected twist after a French journalist exposed a secret scouting mission aimed at Rennes duo Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite. The undercover trip, which took place during Rennes’ tight 1-0 win over Paris FC on November 7, has now become one of the most talked-about scouting stories in France.

According to French reporter Francois Rauzy via The Sun, United’s top French scout Steve Head was spotted in the press box and eventually admitted the names of the two young talents he had been sent to watch. What began as a routine Ligue 1 match quickly turned into a revealing moment about United’s long-term recruitment strategy.

The rising star United can’t ignore: Jeremy Jacquet

Manchester United Scout Caught Tracking Rennes Duo Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite in Secret Ligue 1 Mission

At just 20 years old, centre-back Jeremy Jacquet has quietly developed into one of the most impressive defensive prospects in Europe this season. He has not missed a single minute of Rennes’ Ligue 1 campaign — a remarkable achievement for a player so young in the physically demanding French league.

Recent comparisons with Europe’s best U21 defenders paint an even clearer picture of his potential:

1st in interceptions

1st in possession won

2nd in aerial duel success rate

3rd in touches and passes completed

Jacquet is not just talented — he is statistically among the best in his age group across the continent. His rapid rise has already attracted major attention, with Arsenal strongly linked last summer before choosing to sign Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie instead.

Locked into a contract with Rennes until 2029, Jacquet will not be a cheap signing. But as United continue to search for young defenders capable of shaping the club’s future, the Frenchman fits the profile perfectly.

The raw but exciting forward: Mohamed Kader Meite

Manchester United Scout Caught Tracking Rennes Duo Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite in Secret Ligue 1 Mission

While Jacquet is a polished, dependable defender, 18-year-old Mohamed Kader Meite represents the other side of the scouting spectrum — raw talent with huge potential. A cousin of former Reading and Cardiff attacker Yakou Meite, the Rennes forward is beginning to make a name for himself.

With two goals in 11 appearances this season — most of them from the bench — Kader Meite has shown he possesses the instincts and athleticism that could turn him into a high-level forward in the coming years.

United’s interest indicates they see him as a long-term project rather than someone ready to walk into the first team immediately. But with his powerful style, speed, and ability to make an impact late in games, Meite ticks all the boxes of a modern Premier League attacker in the making.

How the scout was caught

The revelation came from journalist Francois Rauzy, who shared an amusing behind-the-scenes story on the ICI Armorique podcast.

He explained that he spotted a man in the press area speaking English and asking for a match sheet. Curious, Rauzy approached him, asked who he worked for, and after a bit of back-and-forth, the scout eventually revealed the names.

“He didn’t want to say at first,” Rauzy said.

“But I managed to get the information out. It was a Manchester United scout there for Jacquet and Kader Meite. I said their names and he said, ‘Bingo.’”

What was meant to be a discreet visit quickly turned into a public headline — and a signal of how serious United are about improving their long-term recruitment.

What this means for Manchester United

Manchester United’s shift toward younger, high-potential talent has become a key part of the club’s new approach under INEOS. Gone are the days of signing ageing stars on huge wages. Instead, the club is prioritising long-term investments in players who can grow with the squad.

Jacquet and Meite fit perfectly within this strategy:

Young

Affordable in wages

Technically gifted

Already competing at a high level

With United preparing for a major squad rebuild over the next two years, scouting missions like this one are expected to become even more frequent. And while Rennes may not be willing to let either player go cheaply, United’s interest shows the club’s determination to find fresh talent before they explode in value — or are snapped up by rivals.

Whether these scouting trips lead to official bids remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Manchester United are casting their net wide, and the next big signing may already be on their radar.