Man Utd eye Sporting defender who is ready to link up with ex-boss Amorim

Manchester United are poised to raid Sporting for centre-back Goncalo Inacio, with the highly-rated defender reportedly ‘seeing a future’ away from Lisbon ‘with different eyes’.

The move would reunite Inacio with Ruben Amorim, his former boss at Sporting, who’s desperate to bolster United’s shaky defence after a torrid season that’s left them 14th in the Premier League following a 4-1 Newcastle drubbing.

Amorim, who joined United in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, has been linked with several Sporting stars, including Viktor Gyokeres, Francisco Trincao, and Geovany Quenda.

But Inacio, a 23-year-old Portugal international with 12 caps, is emerging as a prime target. According to A Bola, there’s a ‘willingness to negotiate’ his exit for €45m (£38.5m), a bargain compared to his €60m (£51m) release clause, as Inacio eyes a new challenge.

“There’s never really been a chance to sign Inacio until now,” the report notes, citing his openness to a move.

United’s defensive woes make Inacio a no-brainer. Sporting conceded just 10 goals in 16 games under Amorim this season, averaging a goal every 144 minutes, while United’s 19 concessions in 15 games (one every 71 minutes) expose their frailty.

With Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans’ contracts expiring, Harry Maguire’s future uncertain, and Lisandro Martinez injury-prone, Inacio’s ball-playing style fits Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 perfectly alongside Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

“He’s one of Europe’s best young defenders,” Amorim said last year, per O Jogo.

Amorim’s Sporting links give United an edge, despite Liverpool and Real Madrid’s interest. He previously vowed not to raid Sporting in January but left the summer open, saying, “Sporting players are good players. We’ll see.”

United held talks with Inacio’s agent, Miguel Pinho, in January, with a loan-to-buy deal floated, though Sporting held firm. Pinho’s ties to United captain Bruno Fernandes could smooth negotiations.

The Europa League semi-final spot, secured via a 5-4 thriller against Lyon, boosts United’s appeal, with £100m in potential Champions League revenue at stake.

Fans on X are hyped: @UtdDistrict posted, “Inacio to United? Amorim’s pulling strings!” But @RedDevilSkeptic cautioned, “£38.5m is cheap, but we need a striker more.”

United’s transfer plans also include Lyon’s Rayan Cherki (£25m) and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha (£62.5m), but Inacio’s signing could be prioritized to fix the backline.

Competition looms—Liverpool’s Arne Slot sees Inacio as a Virgil van Dijk heir, and Real Madrid want depth. United’s PSR constraints, after £900m spent since 2019, mean sales like Alejandro Garnacho (£60m, Napoli-linked) or Casemiro are crucial.

If Amorim lands Inacio, it could be his biggest coup yet, proving his Sporting blueprint can lift United from their malaise. For now, the focus is Bilbao—Inacio might be watching closely.