Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting Lisbon star may soon be facing his Manchester United side in the Premier League.
Manchester United look set to endure a miserable end to the January transfer window despite a worrying lack of depth in the first-team squad.
Ruben Amorim wants a new signing on deadline day, but it looks as though the window will slam shut without any new arrivals following Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu through the door.
The Portuguese head coach will have to get the best out of his current squad or dip into the academy to strengthen his options.
Thankfully, Amorim has a great track record with academy stars from his time at Sporting. He handed out 27 debuts to youngsters at the Portuguese club. One of them could soon be on his way to the Premier League.
Chelsea close in on Sporting star Dario Essugo
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are considering a move for Sporting midfielder Dario Essugo.
The Blues could make a move late in deadline day to sign the 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas.
Essugo became Sporting’s youngest-ever debutant in 2021 under Ruben Amorim, and he went on to play 25 times under him.
United were linked with Essugo after Amorim’s arrival, with the United coach hailing him as “very talented”. But he is now closing in on a move to London.
Ruben Amorim urges Man United to improve academy
Amorim had huge success in Sporting when it came to promoting academy stars and integrating them into the first team.
There have already been glimpses of that at United with Amorim promoting Goodwill Kukonki to the first team, while Toby Collyer is also becoming a regular.
After United’s 2-0 win over FCSB last week, Amorim urged United to improve their academy so that more players can be promoted.
READ MORE: Forgotten Man Utd man with just 46 minutes under Ruben Amorim is now suddenly important again
“The focus is that we have to improve the academy and we have to bring more [players through],” Amorim said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“That is something that all of the clubs in England have to take advantage [of]. the players that come from the academy.”
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