Quenda move to Man Utd 'a step closer' as green light given

Manchester United are working to secure their first summer signing, with a deal for Sporting CP wing-back Geovany Quenda gaining momentum.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United manager Ruben Amorim has given the green light for the move, and the potential transfer fee for the 17-year-old has now emerged.

Since taking over from Erik ten Hag in the autumn, Amorim has struggled to find consistency with his expensively assembled squad.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash against an in-form Everton, United have recorded just nine wins from 21 matches under his management. With nine defeats already, another setback at Goodison Park could intensify concerns over the team’s performance.

Amorim’s switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation has yet to deliver the desired results, and reports suggest several senior players have expressed doubts about the system.

A key component of the formation is energetic wing-backs who can cover both ends of the pitch, and while United secured left-sided Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January, the club is now focused on strengthening the right flank with Quenda.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Amorim has personally approved the pursuit of Quenda and informed the club weeks ago that he wants the deal completed.

"[Geovany] Quenda is on the list for sure, he’s been on the list for weeks and months. This remains the case. Nothing to say in terms of deal done now, but he’s a player approved directly by Amorim," Romano told Givemesport.

However, despite reports suggesting United had already reached an agreement, transfer insider Rudy Galetti clarified that no formal deal has been struck with either Sporting or the player.

“There are NO agreements – neither verbal nor of any other kind – between United and the Portuguese player or between them and his current club, Sporting CP. United, to date, have shown concrete interest but have not made any offer or proposal.”

Quenda’s rising stock has also attracted interest from several European giants, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen. Galetti further revealed that Barcelona have been monitoring him for months and have already held talks with Jorge Mendes regarding a potential move.

Despite inserting a €100m (£82.9m, $104.7m) release clause into Quenda’s contract, Sporting are reportedly willing to negotiate a sale for around €50m (£41.4m, $52.3m). The teenager has impressed with two goals and seven assists in 39 senior appearances, making him one of Portugal’s most promising young talents.

Beyond Quenda, United are expected to make further midfield reinforcements. A new report suggests Amorim is working on a strategic move to bring in a talented Bayern Munich youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic, potentially involving a high-profile player exchange.

Meanwhile, United are also in the race for a €90m-rated defender, hoping to beat Real Madrid to his signature. Reports indicate that negotiations are already in progress for a summer transfer, highlighting United’s aggressive approach to strengthening their squad.

With major changes underway at Old Trafford, the pursuit of Quenda could be just the beginning of a busy transfer window for Amorim and his team.