Manchester United’s scouting department will be busy this week watching one star who Ruben Amorim desperately wants to sign.
The Red Devils ended the January transfer window with two new signings. Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven arrived and were presented to Old Trafford moments before the Crystal Palace defeat.
Ruben Amorim demanded a new wing-back and that wish was granted over the winter, but there is still plenty of work to be done on this Manchester United squad.
With Marcus Rashford joining Aston Villa on loan and Antony leaving for Real Betis, United have been left very short of options up front. Amorim wanted a new striker signed on deadline day, but a collapsed deal for Mathys Tel means he will have to make do.
When the summer window rolls around, Ruben Amorim will be waiting expectantly for new arrivals, and there is one player who is emerging as United’s top target.
Man United plan Geovany Quenda scouting trip
Despite adding Dorgu to the squad this winter, United are still on the lookout for extra depth and quality at wing-back.
Amorim would love to sign Quenda after bringing him through at Sporting Lisbon from the club’s academy. He is one of 27 academy players who debuted under Amorim.
Quenda is valued at £33m according to recent reports and United are putting themselves in pole position to get a deal over the line in the summer.
Since his arrival, Amorim has asked United to scout Quenda and the Red Devils are now plotting a new trip to watch the young wing-back in action.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, United scouted Geovany Quenda in Sporting’s recent 1-1 draw with Porto, and they also plan to watch him in action against Borussia Dortmund.
Sporting continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday evening with a play-off clash against the Bundesliga side.
Ruben Amorim’s Sporting promise will expire this summer
If it was up to Amorim, he would have become United’s head coach in the summer, giving him plenty of time to implement his ideas and strengthen his squad.
However, Amorim was given an ultimatum by Ineos in November that he would join then or never. Out of respect for his former side, Amorim promised not to sign any Sporting players midway through the season.
He can consider that promise honoured, with United staying away from any Sporting stars over the winter. In the summer, though, there are several of Amorim’s former players who could join him in Manchester.
READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres and Geovany Quenda speak out on Ruben Amorim to Man Utd straight after City win
Quenda is one of United’s top targets, and Viktor Gyokeres remains on United’s radar after he stayed put in Portugal over the winter.
Amorim has left the door open for Pedro Goncalves to join United, although he has also been linked with a move to rivals Manchester City.
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