Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of one of Ruben Amorim’s former players from his time at Sporting Club.
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Amorim, 39, managed his first game as United’s head coach on Sunday, overseeing a 1-1 draw against Ipswich at Portman Road. ..Continue Reading
While the United supporters were likely hoping for a win, there were still some encouraging signs from the team’s performance in Suffolk.
The ex-Braga manager acknowledged that his side would “suffer” as they adjust to his tactical approach and ideas.
“I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games,” Amorim said.
“We are going to suffer for a long period. We will try to win games, but this will take time.
“We have to risk it a little bit [now], and in the next year, we will be better [otherwise] next year at the same stage, we will be here with the same problems.”
Ruben Amorim’s task could be made easier in the upcoming January transfer window, which may give him the chance to sign players of his choosing.
One player reportedly on United’s radar is 17-year-old Geovany Quenda of Sporting, with Amorim’s former club said to be “open to negotiations” as the Red Devils are set to offer around £50 million to secure the winger/wing-back, according to A BOLA.
Quenda has already made 11 appearances in Liga Portugal this season and is familiar with Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system.
The teenager made history earlier this year by becoming Sporting’s youngest-ever goalscorer, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record when he scored in a 4-3 loss to Porto in the Portuguese Super Cup.
While it’s uncertain whether Quenda would immediately start for United under Amorim, he could provide valuable competition for Amad Diallo, who played as United’s right-winger/wing-back in the recent match.
Diallo, typically more suited to an advanced role, was playing out of position, especially given that usual left-back Diogo Dalot was deployed on the left, leaving the team somewhat unbalanced.
However, Quenda isn’t the only player being tracked by United.
Reports suggest that scouts from top European clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, will be attending Sporting’s upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal on Wednesday.
One of the standout players being closely observed is Viktor Gyökeres, the highly rated forward who has already netted 24 goals in 19 appearances for Sporting this season.
The 26-year-old’s contract runs until 2028, meaning that a substantial fee of around £62 million would likely be needed for Sporting to consider selling, according to The Standard.
