£66m release for player attracts Man Utd & Man City attention as Ruben Amorim goes up against former ally

Manchester United are planning quite the restructure ahead of the summer and multiple transfers are expected to take place both in and out of the club.

The Red Devils recorded their worst ever Premier League finish last season and troubles are continuing to mount even under the reign of new manager Ruben Amorim. After finishing eighth last campaign with 60 points, United are now 14th with just 33 on the board.

They have also scored the same amount of goals as they have picked up points. Their presence in front of goal has been one of the biggest talking points this season. United’s poor goal return is one of the lowest in the league — only five clubs have scored fewer goals so far this season.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham, frustrations have risen again. Fans are hoping for better luck in the Europa League but one eye is already on the summer transfer window.

Man United eye £66m attacker

As doubts continue to rise over the likes of Rasmus Hojlund in front of goal, United have found themselves linked with new goal-scoring options. Despite their troublesome form, the Red Devils still have an enormous transfer market presence, and have links with some household names ahead of the summer.

Victor Osimhen is one of the noteworthy targets right now. Viewed as one of the most clinical forwards in Europe in recent years, the Nigeria international is finally expected to move on from Gli Azzurri. United are among those looking to sign him and according to Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen is ‘keen on a move’ to Old Trafford.

Osimhen isn’t the only forward on United’s radar either. Many predicted Amorim to tap into his old club for potential signings sooner or later, and according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the manager is eyeing up winger Francisco Trincão, whose impressive creativity comes with a reported €80 million (£66m) release clause.

Amorim rivals former Sporting ally for Trincão

Trincão is in fine form this season, with nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season. The Portugal international is a right-winger by trade but can operate as a centre-forward, left-winger and attacking midfielder when called upon.

Trincão signed for Sporting in 2023 following a successful loan move, so he is a player Amorim knows well. As does Hugo Viana, who was the Sporting CP director of football during Amorim’s time there. The two worked together to sign Trincão and build him to up to be the star player he is now for the team.

Viana has since made the move to the Premier League himself, joining Amorim’s new rivals Manchester City as their director of football. The reigning champions are also interested in signing Trincão, meaning Viana and Amorim are now directly up against each other in this brutal tug of war for their former player.

The two Manchester sides will need to battle it out against each other if they are serious about signing the 25-year-old.

In other news, Man Utd and Tottenham have 'expressed interested' in signing 17-goal striker but release clause 'set' to rise...