Manchester Utd pursuing Sporting CP star Goncalo Inácio
It has been far from an ideal season for Manchester United. The Red Devils currently sit 13th in the Premier League and have already been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. However, their Europa League campaign has offered a rare bright spot, with Erik ten Hag’s side remaining unbeaten and emerging as genuine contenders for the trophy.
While United’s attacking form has been inconsistent, it’s their defensive frailties that have been most concerning. In response, the club is now looking to bolster their backline and is reportedly targeting Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio. According to sources in Portugal, a fee in the region of €45 million (£37 million) would be required to secure the 22-year-old’s services.
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf are set to leave Manchester United this summer as their contracts near expiration. Their departures will leave Ruben Amorim’s squad short on defensive options, prompting the club to prioritise reinforcements.
Inácio has remained a long-term target for United, and it has always been revealed that the club initially expressed interest in him as part of their plans to strengthen a struggling backline.
The backline does need a rebuild
According to the famous Portuguese outlet A Bola as relayed via Sport Witness, Manchester United could secure Almada-born defender Gonçalo Inácio for £37 million this summer. However, they may face competition from Borussia Dortmund, who showed interest in January.
United captain Bruno Fernandes shares the same agent as Inácio, while Ruben Amorim has previously coached the 23-year-old at Sporting—two factors that could work in United’s favour. Inácio has the qualities to help fix United’s defensive struggles, with the team conceding the eighth-most expected goals in the league.
Since graduating from Sporting’s youth academy in 2020, Gonçalo Inácio has amassed over 200 senior appearances for the first team. This season alone, he has featured in 32 matches, contributing five goals and two assists. Addition
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Inácio could be the ideal solution to Manchester United’s defensive woes, with the team conceding the eighth-highest expected goals in the league this season. His arrival would offer much-needed composure and reliability at the back, qualities United have sorely lacked.
Inácio has already played under Rúben Amorim at Sporting, which would ease his transition and help him quickly adapt to the tactical demands, should Amorim take charge at Old Trafford. With Leny Yoro struggling in one-on-one situations, Inácio’s positional awareness and defensive steadiness could bring much-needed balance and solidity to United’s backline.