Man Utd boss aims to sign ex-Wolves man for a third time as Euro 2024 semi-finalist remains on the radar
Man Utd are determined to bolster their attacking options after Antony’s departure
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed a strong interest in signing Sporting Lisbon star Francisco Trincão for the third time in his managerial career.
The Red Devils are currently in the market for wide attackers after allowing Brazilian Antony to join Real Betis on loan until the end of the season. Similarly, Amorim’s side also face a huge decision over the future of both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho amid rampant speculation linking both stars with a move away from Old Trafford this month.
60-time England international Marcus Rashford has been absent from the first team picture since a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in mid-December, while Garnacho, despite remaining in the squad, has been heavily linked with a blockbuster move to Serie A title hopefuls Napoli as well as Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Who is Francisco Trincão?
Francisco Trincão is a tricky Portuguese winger, who currently plays for Ruben Amorim’s former side Sporting Lisbon. He made a name for himself during Amorim’s time at Braga when he emerged as an important first team player during the Portuguese coach's brief stay with the northwestern side.
Trincão scored eight league goals and provided six assists during Amorim’s final season at Braga before earning himself a move to Barcelona for a reported £26m. He played alongside Lionel Messi during his time at the Nou Camp and racked up 38 appearances for the side that eventually lifted the Copa del Rey while finishing third in La Liga.
The 25-year-old spent the 2021/22 season in the Premier League with Wolves and showed signs of promise without regularly getting into the starting lineup with just two goals and two assists from 30 games. The deal had included a permanent option to buy which the Old Gold decided against activating.
Trincão was snapped up by Sporting under Amorim on an initial loan deal which saw him score 10 in 34 league appearances before making the permanent move to the Portuguese capital.
The nine-time international has thrived in Lisbon with 30 goals and 25 assists in 132 matches while winning the Portuguese title last season. He notably found the net in a 4-1 victory over Manchester City in this year’s Champions League and was on the scoresheet in a 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.
TBR football understands Trincão was watched by United scouts during his side’s 2-1 Champions League loss to RB Leipzig, with another Dutch international in Xavi Simons also catching the eye.
Man Utd plot move for Xavi Simons
Netherlands playmaker Xavi Simons is understood to be a player of increasing interest for Manchester United as they aim to fill a creative void in their team.
Simons has been admired by the Red Devils since Erik ten Hag’s time at the club and is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Dutch football. The 21-year-old was on the books at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as a youngster, but really rose to prominence in the Eredvisie when he scored 19 league goals in 34 matches for PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season.
He moved back to PSG due to a buy-back-clause in his contract but has spent the past two seasons out on loan at RB Leipzig where he has managed to register 15 goals and 18 assists in 58 appearances. The youngster is a mercurial talent, blessed with quick feet, tremendous control and incredible technical ability.
He can play as both a winger and a central attacking midfielder and was pivotal to Netherlands in Euro 2024. Simons is best known for scoring a stunning opening goal against England during the 2-1 semi-final defeat to the Three Lions.