Ruben Amorim Prioritises Sporting Lisbon Center-Back Over Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has identified Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio as a top target for the 2025 summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Amorim aims to impose his identity on the team quickly and is considering bringing in familiar faces from Portugal to bolster his defensive options.

Inacio, 23, has been instrumental in Sporting Lisbon’s impressive start to the Portuguese season, helping the team win their first 10 games while conceding just three goals.

The center-back, rated at around £50m, was already on Manchester United’s radar this summer, but the club opted to sign Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead.

Tavolieri reports that Amorim views Inacio as “one of the best young defenders in the world” and is keen to reunite with his former player at Manchester United.

Inacio has become a trusted member of Amorim’s team in recent seasons, playing a key role in their league title win last term with 32 appearances.

To fund his summer transfer plans, Amorim is likely to offload several first-team stars, including Antony, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelof, who are now facing an uncertain future under the 39-year-old tactician.

With Inacio having signed a contract extension until 2027 last year, Manchester United may need to negotiate a significant transfer fee to secure his services.

However, Amorim’s desire to work with his former player again may give the Red Devils an edge in the transfer market.