Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United adds Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio to their transfer shortlist for next year
Manchester United has added Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio to their transfer shortlist for defensive reinforcement next year. The Red Devils are struggling in defence as they have conceded 19 goals in 11 matches so far this season.
United are 10th in Premier League table after eight matches and fourth in Champions League Group A with no wins. The Red Devils have been inconsistent and injury crisis in the defence has played a massive role.
Currently, injuries have sidelined Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Sergio Reguilon.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that the Red Devils are planning to prioritize defensive signing during the 2024 transfer window. Romano stated that Antonio Silva, Jean Clair Todibo, and Edmond Tapsoba are all shortlisted for the potential signing.
Mirror reported that the Red Devil have added Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio to their shortlist. The Portuguese international was the potential replacement for Harry Maguire during the summer. West Ham attempted to sign Maguire for £30m but the deal collapsed and United chose against going after Inacio.
The report further suggests that Bruno Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho also represents Inacio and may help facilitate the move. Newcastle United and arch-rival Liverpool are also eyeing the 22-year-old as a transfer target.
The Portuguese international is a pivotal part of Sporting’s set-up and earned recognition for his defensive displays. Inacio has played 132 matches for the Portuguese club so far while contributing 11 goals and eight assists.
Understand Manchester United have also added Gonçalo Inacio to their list of centre-backs now being monitored/scouted.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2023
Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Tapsoba remain in the list. No final decision now, it will take time; based on player skills, reports, price and more. pic.twitter.com/8JA3Zjkjvf
The 22-year-old is a typical modern-day defender with technical ability and passing skills to distribute from the back. Inacio is a left-footed central defender with the ability to drive forward with the ball as well as pick forward players. The Portuguese international is a smart defender with good game intelligence and anticipation to intercept the opposition’s passes. Inacio is a calm and composed defender who times his tackle well and doesn’t just lunge senselessly.
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The Red Devils are currently shortlisting some fantastic talents who can slot into the defence and do the job immediately. We think Inacio should be on the upside of the shortlist due to his immense potential and capacity for immediate impact.
