According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United is entering a new managerial chapter following their decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday.
The club is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Sporting CP for Ruben Amorim, who has given his approval to join United immediately.
Amorim's arrival is likely to lead to speculation about multiple Sporting players potentially moving to Old Trafford. Here are five players that the 39-year-old may consider bringing with him.
Goncalo Inacio, a centre-back, has been linked with a move to United since 2021, initially appearing on the club's radar as they sought a left-footed defender. While interest in him had waned over the past year, Amorim's appointment could reignite that long-term interest, especially since he employs a back three formations. Inacio has been a consistent presence under Amorim, boasting a pass accuracy of over 91 percent and a solid aerial game. He has a £50 million release clause, though Sporting might accept a lower fee.
Another centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, joined Sporting from FC Midtjylland in January 2023 and had an impressive year. Although his form dipped after the Africa Cup of Nations, he has regained his footing under Amorim this season, achieving a remarkable 95% pass success rate and averaging five successful duels and five recoveries per game. A left-footed centre-back is a priority for United, but if they consider a right-footed option, Diomande could be a viable alternative. His contract includes a release clause of £66.5 million.
Seventeen-year-old Geovany Quenda has enjoyed a stellar debut season with Sporting, making 14 appearances and contributing two goals and one assist. Primarily a right winger, he has also played as a right wing-back under Amorim, completing 75% of his dribbles and winning 75% of his ground duels, with a tackle success rate of 60%. Given the uncertainty surrounding Amad Diallo and Antony's futures, Quenda may emerge as a potential target. However, securing his signature won't be easy, as his buy-out clause was raised from £37.5 million to £83 million after his impressive start. Due to Brexit regulations, United can only sign him after he turns 18 next summer.
Pedro Goncalves, an attacking midfielder, has drawn comparisons to Bruno Fernandes for his playmaking skills. At 26, he has become Sporting's main creative force since Fernandes' departure to United. Although he began his career as a central or attacking midfielder, he has primarily played from the left wing this season. Should Mason Mount continue to struggle with injuries, United might look to add another playmaker to challenge Fernandes, who has shown signs of decline this season. Goncalves recorded 18 goals and 17 assists last season and, like Diomande, has a £66.5 million release clause.
Lastly, striker Viktor Gyokeres has been prolific in the Primeira Liga since transferring from Coventry City last summer, netting 41 goals and providing ten assists in 42 appearances.
No clubs were willing to meet his £83 million release clause last summer, but that situation could change in the next transfer window.
With Premier League interest in the Swedish striker rising, journalist Florian Plettenberg has suggested he could be allowed to leave for between £50 million and £58 million.
However, United's management may hesitate to disrupt Rasmus Hojlund's development, especially considering Darwin Nunez's mixed results at Liverpool, where he has scored only 35 goals in 105 matches since joining from Benfica.
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