Ruben Amorim will soon digging into the task ahead at Manchester United, trying to salvage what has turned into a nightmare season so far.
Yet no snap judgments will be made over Ruben Amorim’s first season, given the mess he is walking into, with the team 14th in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim’s real task will begin for the 2025/26 season, and a huge transfer window awaits next summer when he gets the chance to re-shape his squad.
Newly confirmed manager Amorim’s preferred formation uses three central defenders, and while United currently have plenty of options, three need replacing next summer.
Three centre-backs expected to leave Manchester United
Let’s start with who will stay. New signings Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are expected to form Ruben Amorim’s first choice trio, when all are fit.
In terms of depth, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are back-up options. Yet all three are likely to leave next summer.
Evans and Lindelof’s contracts both expire in June 2025. It is not expected that either will be retained, with United looking for fresh starts, getting younger at the position.
Harry Maguire is also coming towards the end of his deal. It expires in 2025 although United do have an option to extend to 2026. This could be taken up, with a view to a summer sale.
One way or another, United are going to be two centre-backs down, likely three, and in need of at least one more.
It’s worth noting Luke Shaw could play at centre-back, but United cannot rely on him right now when it comes to making plans.
Goncalo Inacio to Manchester United
The obvious solution for Manchester United is for Ruben Amorim to sign centre-back Goncalo Inacio from Sporting.
Amorim handed Inacio his debut in 2020, and he has gone onto play a key role in his two title successes, also establishing himself as a Portugal international.
While negotiating with Sporting may not be desired, Manchester United would not have to, due to the release clause in Goncalo Inacio’s contract.
United would have to pay £51 million to land Inacio, a reasonable fee in terms of the price of centre-backs, and in return, would get a defender Amorim trusts, who knows his system.
While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite would be a standout alternative, he could be costlier, and does not have the Amorim connection.
Inacio’s release clause is very tempting for Manchester United, in light of the need to strengthen at the position, and it would be no surprise at all if this deal gets done next summer.
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