United, who have appointed two full-time scouts in Brazil, have been linked with the whizkid.
“It is a country you should pay attention to and has always been one that produces fantastic players who can play in big games,” Ferguson said.
He continued: “They have ability and enthusiasm.
“It goes in cycles. The north-east used to be a great hunting ground for scouts for many years.
“We had a spell in 1993. France had a great spell and are still producing some fantastic young players.
“Our scouts go to games and might get seen. It doesn’t mean we are signing anyone.”
