Man Utd target 18-year-old full-back branded the 'Nuno Mendes'

Manchester United are watching Sporting wonderkid Salvador Blopa who is on their list of defensive targets as Rúben Amorim looks to reshape his squad.

The 18-year-old fits into the focus on youth and long-term development and the full-back is emerging as one of the most exciting prospects in Portuguese football.

Blopa has been described in Portugal as the “next Nuno Mendes” — a comparison that reflects both his pace and his technical quality.

Although naturally a right wing-back rather than a left-sider, he possesses similar traits to Mendes at the same age: explosive acceleration, confidence on the ball, and the ability to progress play through dribbling from deep.

His attacking instincts have drawn particular praise, with Sporting staff impressed by his maturity in the final third despite limited senior experience.

For United, the interest fits squarely within the club’s evolving transfer strategy under INEOS and Amorim. The manager is known for his preference for athletic wing-backs and high-energy wide defenders, a key feature of his system at both Braga and Sporting.

Wing-backs are a key positions in Amorim's system and yet they are among the weakest in his team with bock Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu facing criticism while Luke Shaw's time at United has been blighted by injury.

Blopa would represent a developmental signing rather than an immediate starter, but United believe acquiring elite young talent early can be decisive in rebuilding the squad’s foundation.

Sporting are not expected to sanction an easy deal. Blopa is highly regarded within their academy structure and is tied to a long contract, with his release clause reportedly set at a significant figure.

United’s interest is therefore at an early stage, with scouts continuing to compile reports as the teenager accumulates more first-team minutes.

Blopa’s name being added to the shortlist suggests the club are planning for the future — and want that future to be faster, younger, and more technically ambitious.