Siddharth Juyal
Liverpool are planning to make a move for Manchester United target Goncalo Inacio.
Manchester United might need to move fast on Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio as arch-rivals Liverpool plan a swoop. The Red Devils have made a shortlist of defenders to buy during the 2024 transfer window.
The Portuguese international is a left-footed central defender with strong technical abilities and decision-making. Inacio is a typical modern-day centre-back who can distribute good passes and make forward drive with the ball.
The Portuguese international has good game intelligence and tactical awareness to anticipate his opponent’s passes and moves for interception. The 22-year-old stays calm in pressure situations and uses his composure to implement well-timed tackles instead of lunging recklessly.
Injury crises have significantly affected United in the defence department so far this season. The club’s first-choice centre-back Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are out with long-term injuries.
United manager Erik ten Hag has not been able to play the same defensive partnership in multiple games to form consistency. The Red Devils have conceded 19 goals in 11 matches so far in all competitions. Ten Hag’s men have lost six of the 11 games which has put a lot of pressure on the manager.
90min (h/t Manchester Evening News) reports that historical rivals Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Inacio play. The Merseyside giants are looking for long-term replacements for Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.
Inacio has appeared in 132 matches for Portuguese club Sporting while contributing to 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils have a shortlist that contains multiple defenders from top European leagues. Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Edmond Tapsoba are also part of the shortlist.
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It is unclear whether United will decide to recruit a defender in January or they will wait until the summer. However, the pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to solve the vulnerability, the Red Devils have shown in the backline.
Inacio is an incredible talent who already possesses the experience and maturity to start for any top club. The Portuguese international has already solidified his position in the national team because of it.
