Man Utd 'eye deal' for £67m Sporting CP star who cried when Ruben Amorim left the club - it's not Gyokeres
The 26-year-old played under Amorim at Sporting before he left to join Man United last year.
Ruben Amorim hasn’t had the best first year at Manchester United. He came in for Erik Ten Hag, and the club has since seen its worst finish in the Premier League era, however, they do have a chance at silverware.
United could qualify for the Champions League by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night in the Europa League final. It would be a huge step for Amorim’s career at United, and it would showcase what he is capable of, as he showed at Sporting CP.
Reports have linked United to signing a couple of Sporting players this summer after the success that Amorim had at the club. The obvious name is striker Viktor Gyokeres, but in recent weeks, the Red Devils have been linked to a different one.
United linked to signing Pedro Goncalves
One of the Sporting players that United could sign this summer is attacking midfielder Pedro Goncalves, who was one of the Portuguese side’s key players during Amorim’s time as manager.
According to Theatre of Red, Goncalves is on United’s summer radar, despite the fact that he has spent the majority of this season recovering from a prolonged tendon injury. The report describes him as an “excellent candidate” for United, especially considering his relationship with Amorim.
The United boss was quoted when he left Sporting, saying that Goncalves was in tears at the time. He said in a press conference at the time: “It was harder for me to see Pote (Pedro Goncalves) crying and leaving. It’s not the first time. It’s really hard for me, I know Pote is a little angry with me because it was really hard."
The 26-year-old has a £67m release clause in his contract with Sporting; however, after an injury-ridden season, the club’s asking price could decrease slightly. He made just 19 appearances for Sporting this year, scoring six goals and providing six assists.
United also linked with fellow Sporting star
Goncalves isn’t the only Sporting player that United have been linked to this summer, as they could also sign centre-back Goncalo Inacio, who is used to playing in a back three like Amorim plays.
Reports in April said that United could sign him for around £39m, despite the fact that he has a £52m release clause in his contract at the Portuguese club. Inacio has made 28 league appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Liverpool and Arsenal had previously shown an interest in Inacio, however, it is understood that their interest has cooled, leaving Man United as the front-runners to land the 23-year-old this summer.
Having played under Amorim, Inacio could be tempted to join his old manager at United this summer, especially if they can secure Champions League football for next season. He would be a worthy replacement for Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans who are both set to leave the club.