Ruben Amorim has reportedly engaged in direct discussions with a potential signing as he seeks to make his first acquisition as Manchester United manager.
The Portuguese coach is set to oversee his first match in charge of United this Sunday when they face Ipswich Town.
Amorim conducted his inaugural training session on Monday, focusing on getting the team acquainted with his preferred 3-4-3 formation. ..Continue Reading
Early signs of his tactical approach emerged during a practice game, with Luke Shaw positioned as a left centre-back and Marcus Rashford operating as the lone striker.
Despite these adjustments, Amorim is expected to bolster the squad, given United’s current struggles, sitting in 13th place in the Premier League.
According to reports from Sky Sports Switzerland, Amorim has pinpointed Ousmane Diomande, a centre-back from Sporting Lisbon, as his top transfer target.
The 20-year-old, who played under Amorim at Sporting, has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Newcastle.
Initially, Diomande was not strongly inclined towards a move to Old Trafford, but after conversations with Amorim, he is now reportedly more open to the idea.
However, United face stiff competition for the Ivorian international. Manchester City has also identified Diomande as a key target, and their incoming director of football, Hugo Viana, could prioritize the defender’s signing.
Diomande is contracted to Sporting until 2027 with a £68 million release clause. Reports from the summer suggested Sporting might accept a lower fee, though it remains uncertain if that would still be the case in January as they compete in both the league and the Champions League.
