Manchester United identify Goncalo Inacio as Raphael Varane replacement
Manchester United are not even halfway into the season and it is already becoming increasingly evident that they need to replace Raphael Varane very soon and the player identified to do just this is Portuguese centre-back Goncalo Inacio.
Varane does not seem to be at 100%. Even when supposedly fit, he finds himself benched for the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans. Erik ten Hag has kept his cards very close to his chest when it comes to the French World Cup winner.
Varane has struggled with fitness issues ever since he moved to Manchester United but he formed a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez in the centre of defence for the Red Devils last time around.
Manchester United make ‘contact’ with Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
That said, both of those players are injured at the moment and even when Varane makes the bench, Erik ten Hag does not seem to count on him. United have shown a keen interest in Goncalo Inacio, a 22-year-old defender who has made a significant impact at Sporting Lisbon.
Inacio’s impressive performance, featuring 138 games for Sporting in all competitions and his recent international caps for Portugal, where he scored twice, underscores his potential as a valuable asset for United.
Manchester United appears to be leading the race to sign Inacio. The defender’s consistent performances have garnered attention across Europe, with Real Madrid also showing interest but the Red Devils have earmarked him as their Varane replacement.
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This potential acquisition comes at a time when United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is reportedly considering moving on from other central defenders like Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. If these changes materialize, Inacio could be seen as a direct replacement for one of these players.
Maguire though has done himself no harm in the recent weeks to warrant a significant role at Manchester United. He has been imperious at best and is essential to Erik ten Hag’s team at the moment.
I'm Pranav Kannan, a data scientist by day, football enthusiast by night. My journey with the beautiful game began with the mesmerizing play of Lionel Messi, whose unparalleled skill turned me into a lifelong Barcelona fan and sparked my passion for football.
Writing about football has been a refreshing cocktail of joy, and probably the most intoxicating yet, much like experiencing the 6-1 comeback live. Through my work, I hope to connect with readers who share a similar excitement and love for the game and offer a fresh perspective.
