Man Utd can hand Ruben Amorim his dream defender for £29m – it could be bargain of the year

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Ineos can fulfil one of Ruben Amorim’s transfer demands for an incredibly cheap fee this year.

Manchester United will have a long list of positions to strengthen this year.

The squad Ruben Amorim inherited is one which will need a lot of work to become suitable for the style of football he is aiming to implement at Old Trafford.

Amorim has identified a forward as one position he wants to be strengthened, while it is also thought a left wing-back is high on Amorim’s priority list.

However, with a clearout expected this year at United, a number of positions will join the priority list. Now, a central defender of Amorim’s dreams could have become available.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Sporting Lisbon set Goncalo Inacio’s price tag

Signing a centre-back in 2025 seems likely, with just one left-footer in the senior squad right now. Elite left-footed central defenders are a luxury, so when one becomes available United need to act.

This is the case with Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, who is now a target for Borussia Dortmund. Florian Plettenberg has reported that contact is underway for the 23-year-old.

However, the problem for the Bundesliga side is that Sporting’s €35m (£29m) price tag is too expensive. But this could be an advantage for United.

Inacio is Amorim’s top option in defence this season, a player Amorim knows very well. Inacio is one of 27 Sporting youngsters Amorim debuted and so would be an addition the head coach would love.

Inacio has long been a target for United, although this year could be different. Not only is Amorim a big factor, but also Inacio is going for far cheaper than his release clause.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Manchester United have options at central defence

In the event that Inacio is not opted for, United have a host of different options in 2025.

One potential addition is Jarrad Branthwaite who United remain interested in. The English international wanted to join United in the summer when he was made Ineos’ top target.

Arguably the best left-sided centre-back in the world right now is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. An Italian international, Bastoni was linked with United in the summer.

One final option as a left centre-back could be Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie who United were urged to sign in the summer.