Coach says Manchester United target will only be sold at £52m

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Manchester United and Premier League target Goncalo Inacio will only leave if the release clause in his Sporting Lisbon contract is triggered in 2024.

That is the claim made by Ruben Amorim, a man who has found himself mentioned in conjunction with Manchester United’s future planning quite a lot over the last couple of days.

Amorim, after distancing himself from speculation suggesting he could take Erik ten Hag’s job at Old Trafford, was once again facing questions about Goncalo Inacio in a midweek press conference amid claims that the talented centre-half also has admirers at Old Trafford.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the elegant, left-footed Inacio is one of a number of talented young centre-halves on Man United’s radar heading into the New Year, alongside Antonio Silva, Jarrad Branthwaite, Giorgio Scalvini, Marc Guehi and co.

Inacio has a £52 million clause in his Sporting contract. And, in quotes reported by O Jogo, Amorim insists that his prized asset will be going nowhere unless that clause is triggered.

Manchester United eye Goncalo Inacio

“If they pay the release clause, he has to go,” says one of the most highly-rated young coaches in European football. “If they don’t, nobody will leave.”

Inacio, according to one former Primeira Liga ace, could still be a bargain even at 60 million euros. CM Jornal say that Manchester United, along with Liverpool and Real Madrid, will send scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action for Sporting during this weekend’s Lisbon derby clash with Benfica.

“He’s a central defender who can also play in midfield, and does it very well,” ex-Sporting boss Carlos Carvalhall tells AS of Inacio. “His strong point is his technical ability. He’s very good at making long and short passes.

“He’s a great player, intelligent and very good with his head in both defence and attack. (Inacio) defends and attacks well, anticipates well, reads the game well and has the ability to make good decisions on the field.

‘What makes him different’

“Because of his technical ability, yes (Inacio can reach the highest level),” Carvalhal adds. “He’s a young man who plays very well and has a very good touch of the ball with his left foot.

“That’s what makes him different.”