Ruben Amorim could return to Sporting and raid his former side for new signings at Manchester United this summer.
When Ruben Amorim was hired by Manchester United in November, the Portuguese head coach made it clear that he would not sign any Sporting Lisbon players over the winter out of respect for his former side.
He kept that promise, with United signing Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January.
However, a squad overhaul is expected in the summer and Amorim could now raid Sporting for new signings. United have been linked with Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swedish star is also wanted by Arsenal.
United have also been linked with Pedro Goncalves, an attacking Sporting star nicknamed ‘Pote’.
Pedro Goncalves echoes Ruben Amorim statement at Sporting
On Saturday, Sporting won 2-0 against Vitoria to secure another league title. Amorim is set to receive a medal after he took charge of the first half of their championship season.
As quoted by O Jogo, Goncalves spoke after the win and made a promise to Sporting fans about future silverware.
“They said we would never be champions without fans. They said we would never be two-time champions without [Ruben] Amorim and without [Hugo] Viana.
“And they say we would never be three-time champions without Viktor [Gyökeres]. Let’s see.”
As pointed out by the Portuguese outlet, Goncalves’ comments were a direct replica of Amorim’s statement a year earlier when Sporting won the title.
“They said we would only win titles every 18 years. They said we only won the championship [in 2020/21] because we didn’t have any fans. And they say we will never be two-time champions again. We’ll see,” Amorim said in 2024.
Amorim dropped the microphone after making that statement, and Goncalves did exactly the same 12 months later. Could he follow Amorim to Old Trafford this summer? There’s certainly a chance.
Ruben Amorim open to Pedro Goncalves reunion at Man United
In his final few days as Sporting manager, Amorim admitted Goncalves was “angry” at him for leaving the club for United.
In the summer, he could have a chance to join his former coach at Old Trafford as part of his squad rebuild.
Just before he left Sporting, Amorim commented on signing Goncalves. The 26-year-old has a £66 million release clause in his current deal.
Goncalves had a hugely successful relationship under Amorim, scoring 81 goals and providing 61 assists in 190 matches together.
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