Manchester United didn’t have the best start to this season, with the team currently sitting in 10th place in the Premier League and at the bottom of their Champions League group. One significant factor contributing to Erik Ten Hag’s failure to make his team perform well is the lack of good squad depth.
With this in mind, the club are now interested in adding a new defender named Goncalo Inacio to the team. Already they have lost their entire starting backline with Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrell Malacia all being injured.
Manchester United reportedly interested in Goncalo Inacio
Manchester United is eager to strengthen its defense in order to ensure a strong lineup. The club’s scouting department has been actively exploring the transfer market for defenders who can enhance the team’s capabilities, with a particular focus on young talents who can provide long-term performance.
Several promising candidates have already been identified, including Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, Antonio Silva from Benfica, and Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen, all of whom are young defenders who have made significant impressions at their respective clubs. Another player on their radar is Goncalo Inacio, who currently plays for Sporting CP.
🔴 Understand Manchester United have also added Gonçalo Inacio to their list of centre-backs now being monitored/scouted.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 10, 2023
Antonio Silva, Jean-Clair Todibo and Tapsoba remain in the list. No final decision now, it will take time; based on player skills, reports, price and more. pic.twitter.com/8JA3Zjkjvf
At 22 years old, the young Portuguese defender has already established himself as one of the best in the Primeira Liga. He has all the qualities that United are looking for and it can be expected that he would want to join United, as Bruno Fernandes also made a similar step and is now the captain of the Red Devils.
However, the club are monitoring him, meaning no talks between the clubs are taking place. United will take their time before deciding which defender to go for, and it can be expected that they will do so in the January transfer window.
While the market value of the player is estimated to be around 30 million euros, it can be expected that they will have to pay more than that to bring him to Old Trafford. Furthermore, other clubs such as Liverpool and Newcastle United are also interested in the Portuguese youngster.
Goncalo Inacio career stats
Goncalo Inacio has made a significant impact this season, featuring as a starter in all 10 games he has played, accumulating a total of 900 minutes on the field for his club. Additionally, he has participated in 3 matches for the Portugal national team, where he scored his first two international goals in a game against Luxembourg.
Since making his debut for Sporting in 2021, he has appeared in 81 league games, contributing 6 goals and 6 assists. In total, he has amassed 131 appearances for the club and has gained valuable experience in the Champions League as well.
His main strengths are his passing ability and his extraordinary concentration in high pressure matches. Occasionally, he likes to join in on attacks and is a good dribbler, which is an extra feature in a good defender. He is a decent tackler as well and can intercept balls, often helping to clear away potential danger.
Goncalo Inacio has already become a great player in Sporting and it is probably time for him to move on to a bigger challenge, with United his possible next destination.
