Ruben Amorim could bring 5 Sporting Lisbon stars to United including 17yo wonderkid - opinion
Manchester United are preparing for a new managerial era after parting ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday.
The club are in advanced negotiations with Sporting CP for Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has reportedly given the green light to join United immediately.
Amorim’s arrival will obviously lead to multiple Sporting players being linked with the club. Here are five players that the 39-year-old may want to bring to Old Trafford.
Goncalo Inacio – centre-back
Inacio has been associated with a move to United since 2021. His name was first on the club’s radar when they were looking for a left-footed centre-back.
The speculation has somewhat ceased over the past year, but Amorim’s appointment could revive United’s long-term interest, considering he plays with a back three.
Inacio has been a mainstay during Amorim’s time in Lisbon. The 23-year-old has been brilliant, with a pass accuracy of more than 91 percent. He also has a strong aerial presence.
The centre-back has a £50 million release clause in his contract, which could encourage United to make an offer. Sporting could accept a slightly lesser fee than for his services.
Ousmane Diomande – centre-back
Diomande signed for Sporting from FC Midtjylland in January 2023, and he had a brilliant year with them. His form dropped after the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
However, he has managed to redeem himself under Amorim this campaign. He has fared better than Inacio with a 95% pass success rate. He averages five successful duels and five recoveries per game.
A left-footed centre-back could be United’s top priority going forward. If there were to consider a right-footed option, Diomande could be signed instead of Inacio next year.
Diomande has a release clause worth £66.5m in his contract.
Geovany Quenda – right winger
The 17-year-old has had a wonderful debut season with the Portuguese champions. He has already made 14 appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and one assist.
The youngster is a right winger by trade, but he has operated from the right wing-back role under Amorim. Aside from his goal contributions, he has completed 75% of his dribbles.
The wonderkid has also won 75% of his ground duels with a tackle success rate of 60%. With the uncertainty over the futures of Amad Diallo and Antony, Quenda could be an option.
However, it won’t be straightforward to land his signature. His buy-out clause was increased from £37.5m to £83m last month following his impressive start to his senior career.
As per Brexit rules, Quenda can only be signed by United next summer after his 18th birthday.
Pedro Goncalves – attacking midfielder
Goncalves has already been compared to Bruno Fernandes for his playmaking ability. The 26-year-old has stepped up as the main creator for Sporting since Fernandes’ move to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese started off as a central or attacking midfielder, but he has exclusively played from the left wing this campaign. He has also operated on the opposite flank.
If Mason Mount continues to struggle with injuries, United could contemplate landing another playmaker to compete with Fernandes, who has started to show signs of regression this term.
Goncalves registered 18 goals and 17 assists for his club last season. Similar to Diomande, the versatile attacker has a £66.5m release clause in his contract, which was signed last year.
Viktor Gyokeres – striker
Gyokeres has been scoring for fun in the Primeira Liga since his move from Coventry City last summer.
He has already accumulated 41 goals and ten assists in 42 appearances. No clubs were willing to pay his £83m release clause last summer, but the scenario could change next year.
The Swede is very likely to leave Sporting at the end of the campaign. Journalist Florian Plettenberg claims he could be permitted to depart for £50-58m amid high-profile Premier League interest.
Gyokeres may not hit the ground running, given Darwin Nunez’s mixed fortunes. The Uruguayan has netted just 35 goals in 105 games for Liverpool since arriving from Benfica.
United’s hierarchy may also not want to disrupt Rasmus Hojlund’s development.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Fotmob.com & Sofascore.com.