Ruben Amorim held talks with Man Utd target in January, would ‘absolutely choose’ to complete £42m deal

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Ruben Amorim will be happy with the transfer business coming through the door at Manchester United this summer, but he wants more.

Ineos are closing in on completing signing number two in June.

After Matheus Cunha was announced earlier this month, it is clear that Manchester United were prioritising the attack first this summer.

This trend has continued with United close to agreeing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, who will line up alongside Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system as the two number 10s.

After this, it is expected that alternative positions will be targeted by Jason Wilcox, with goalkeeper links refusing to go away.

Andre Onana’s future remains uncertain, and now it has been claimed that Amorim has already identified who he wants to replace the Cameroon international.

• READ: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2025/26

Ruben Amorim talked with Diogo Costa in January regarding Manchester United move

It is still far from guaranteed that United will sell Onana this summer, with a reluctance to force him out the door. There are plans in place, and if Onana remains at United then a new number two will be signed instead to challenge the 29-year-old.

But now, Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto has spoken with The United Stand, revealing that Amorim remains keen on signing United-linked Diogo Costa from Porto.

“Ruben Amorim wants Diogo Costa as his main goalkeeper, and he spoke with him in January, with regards to him signing with the club this summer.

“Obviously, it depends on the club’s availability to sign him. Right now, Costa is on his holidays after Porto got knocked out of the Club World Cup.

“Porto wants €50m (£42m) fixed fee, add-ons to be included in a possible deal at this moment in time. Maybe as we get toward the end of the window and he needs a club, they will only ask for €50m (£42m) to buy him.

“It’s a difficult deal; timing is everything. Maybe right now they would choose Emi Martinez for his experience, but in the right situation, Amorim would absolutely choose Diogo Costa for his goal. But Onana’s situation is still to be made clear.”

Amorim will know Costa very well, having watched his Sporting side struggle to get past the 25-year-old on several occasions as part of the ‘O Classico’. United are already ‘very interested’ in Costa, and so hearing Amorim’s desire will only strengthen the belief that a deal can be done.

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

How Diogo Costa compares with Andre Onana

Edwin van der Sar has told Amorim to back Onana next season, highlighting that the Cameroon international is capable of much better.

However, there is no hiding that trust between Onana and Amorim will be eroded to some degree after a troubling season in goal, which saw him make multiple errors.

On paper, the Portuguese international would be an upgrade on Onana, with Diogo Dalot tipping Costa to be the world’s best.

Costa would be a great deal more reliable in goal, while United would also benefit from his improved passing, which can help in the build-up.

In terms of saving shots, it is difficult to judge, as Porto faces poorer opposition weekly and receives fewer shots than United do in the Premier League.