Pranav Kannan
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.
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.
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.
More Manchester United News-
- “Quite good position” – Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United have made a good start to the Premier League
- “I can’t tell you anything” – Erik ten Hag remains coy on injury status of key Manchester United duo
- “We could make life more easy” – Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to improve despite Luton Town win
Inacio would be a great signing but Manchester United will need to pip Real Madrid to it. Let’s wait and see how it goes.
