Despite mainly focusing on rebuilding the frontline, United have reportedly enquired about an elite defender, as Rubem Amorim looks to add much-needed depth to his squad.
As Rúben Amorim begins reshaping his Manchester United squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, a host of names are being linked with potential summer moves to Old Trafford.
However, with United missing out on European football, many of their top-tier targets are now out of reach, with the club having to turn its attention to more affordable, realistic alternatives.
The marquee arrival of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million, and the almost imminent signing of Bryan Mbeumo for a similar fee has already signaled intent to fix United’s faltering attack that only managed to score 44 goals in the league, with many of them coming from elsewhere on the pitch, such as skipper Bruno Fernandes notching eight.
While rightfully focusing on the frontline, there is still need for depth across the pitch, such as in midfield to partner Fernandes, and also in central defence, owing to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Man Utd enquire about Inacio
Gonçalo Inácio was a vital member of the Sporting CP side that helped Amorim win the Portuguese league, and it appears Amorim now wants to reunite with the 23-year-old defender once touted by O Jogo as one of the head coach’s “bodyguards” in Portugal.
The star defender is attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, with Sporting wanting to retain him for another season and offer him a new contract if he remains in the capital by the end of the summer transfer window.
According to ABola, United have enquired about the possibility of signing the defender. Still, with a rumoured asking price of £43 million, United would most likely want to negotiate the price down, owing to their financial situation this summer.
A loan-to-buy deal has been reported, with an obligation to sign the central defender permanently for £34.5 million next summer; however, it’s not yet known if Sporting would be willing to make such a deal.
Is Inacio the right man?
Inácio’s key advantage over any other potential centre-back signings is simply the fact that he has already played under Amorim, and was a key figure in a back three, the same system that Amorim wants to play with at Old Trafford
He offers versatility across the back line, with the 23-year-old being comfortable playing as either the central centre-back or left centre-back.
There is no doubt that Inácio is a talented defender, but Amorim’s main priority this summer has seemingly been to sign players that have experience in the Premier League, owing to the physical demands of the league, which some of the signing last summer struggled to keep up with.
While the touted figure of £43 million is certainly a decent deal considering the talent that Sporting have on their hands, perhaps it would be smarter to sign a current Premier League defender, as Amorim simply can’t afford to have another transitional season.
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