Aheed Abrar
Manchester United to reignite ‘interest’ in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio in summer of 2023
Manchester United are set to reignite their ‘interest’ in Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio in the upcoming transfer window, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo via Man Utd News (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils were looking to acquire the centre-back’s services in the summer of 2022. However, the club were not keen on buying the 21-year-old’s €45 million release clause.
In the end, United signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in the previous transfer window. However, the Old Trafford side are once again eyeing the Portugal U21 international’s signature, who could be available next summer.
Inacio made his way through the youth rank at the Lisbon-based club. He broke into the Leoes’ senior side in the 2020/21 campaign. Since then, the 21-year-old has been an ever-present in the Primeira Liga outfit’s backline.
This season, Ruben Amorim has continued to put faith in the youngster. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Sporting CP in the current campaign, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
The Leoes are currently fourth in the league table in Portugal. They have kept five clean sheets in the Primeira Liga in the current campaign.
Erik ten Hag has preferred Martinez and Raphael Varane in the starting lineup this season. The Argentine and French duo have formed a solid partnership in Manchester.
The Dutch manager can also call upon Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. The England international has revived his reputation after the 2022 World Cup. On the other hand, the Swedish national has also done well when the gaffer has had to play him.
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At the moment, the Red Devils have enough depth in the centre-back area. Therefore, a move for Inacio does not make sense. But it remains to be seen whether the likes of Maguire and Lindelof will want to play second fiddle next season as well.
