Manchester United are unsurprisingly looking at ways to reinforce their defence next season.
We went into the 2023/24 season knowing Erik ten Hag would ideally like an upgrade at right-back as well as the fact Raphael Varane’s injury record is a constant worry for fans.
Sadly, our defensive department has been depleted by injuries. United are currently without Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon.
The latest (reoccurring) injury to Martinez comes as a huge blow since the World Cup requires further surgery and faces at least three months on the sidelines.
On top that, United were unable to sell Harry Maguire in the summer, which prevented Ten Hag from signing a younger but better suited centre-back for his squad.
The Reds re-signed Jonny Evans on a free transfer instead. Another example of Glazernomics.
According to The Sun, United plan to send scouts to keep an eye on Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio over the next couple of months ahead of a potential swoop in the January transfer window.
The scout in question has been sent to watch the 22-year-old in action at least three times a month, and he was allegedly present at Sporting’s 2-0 win over Rio Ave at the weekend.
Sporing find themselves in a strong position after Inacio recently a new deal with the club. It is believed the Portugal international has a €60 million (£52m) release clause which The Sun states United are ‘prepared to match’.
Martinez is the only left-footed, ball-playing centre-half in the squad and it would make sense to sign another player who can play the same role.
The report also states that Inacio would be keen on a move to the Premier League. His agent already represents Bruno Fernandes, so it won’t be difficult for United to touch base if their interest intensifies over the coming months.
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