Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim made some revealing comments at the weekend about his desire to sign some of his ex-Sporting Lisbon players.
When asked if he could raid his former club, Amorim said he has a gentleman’s agreement not to buy any during the January transfer window but things could change in the summer:
“I won’t in January, that’s what I said. I don’t know about the summer. The first point – to hold on until the summer. Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
When asked specifically about Pedro Goncalves, Amorim did not hide his admiration for the winger:
“He can play in any team in the world and with any player because he is a great player. I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. He is also very intelligent, but he also has to focus on Sporting because we have to be champions this year. But he could play in any team in the world.”
Fans on X are split on whether Amorim should be allowed to sign Goncalves, especially as former manager Erik ten Hag had tried a similar strategy:
Yeah bring him home
— Keevz89 (@WilliamsKeevan) November 13, 2024
This is the same mistake Erik made. Trying to buy players from his former club
— 🌚 (@menetai) November 13, 2024
Easy, sell rashy and get him 👍🏿
— Big Name (@iberi_senator) November 13, 2024
Not another Antony please
— brunofernansh_ (@UtdAcoutic) November 13, 2024
Pedro Gonçalves would be an exciting addition to United! That buyout clause might be a hurdle, but his connection with Amorim could make it interesting.
— ( ◜‿◝ )♡ (@Silent__Aura) November 13, 2024
No ways he will move like Ten hag and bring in his ex players
— JquanUtd🔗 (@itsJquan) November 13, 2024
How much would Goncalves cost?
The 26-year-old is believed to have an €80m (£67m) release clause in his contract and, considering he is one of Sporting’s best players, United would probably have to pay the amount in full.
Goncalves does generally play off the left flank, although he does drift into central areas, so he would probably be considered as a replacement for Marcus Rashford.
United are not the only Premier League club linked with the player
Aston Villa and West Ham have been mentioned as potential suitors for Goncalves over the past couple of weeks.
However, if United do come calling, Amorim’s close relationship with the winger could be the deciding factor in who he chooses to join.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
