As soon as Ruben Amorim was appointed as Manchester United’s new manager, it was almost inevitable that several players from his former club, Sporting CP, would be linked with moves to Old Trafford. Since the announcement, familiar names like Viktor Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, and Morten Hjulmand have all been tied to United.
Even though Amorim previously claimed he wouldn’t entertain the idea of raiding his old squad, the pull of familiar faces is strong. Now, reports suggest that one Sporting star is eager to work under the Portuguese coach once again, despite having interest from other clubs. Meanwhile, United are keeping their options open with an alternative target if a deal doesn’t materialize.
Though strengthening the centre-back position isn’t United’s top priority this summer — especially with budget limitations — the club is still paying close attention to elite-level players who become available. And if one of them is pushing for a reunion with Amorim and is also on the radar of Premier League rivals, that could be enough to force United’s hand.
According to reports from Portugal, Crystal Palace are currently making moves to sign Ousmane Diomande. However, the defender is believed to favour a switch to United, largely due to his connection with Amorim. While Diomande’s release clause stands at €80 million, it’s believed that Sporting might be willing to negotiate for a lower fee around €50 million — a number that could bring United into serious contention. Should the Red Devils show concrete interest, Diomande may choose to wait, holding off on a Palace move in hopes of a Manchester reunion.
In the event that Diomande doesn’t join, United are reportedly preparing to shift focus to Goncalo Inacio, another centre-back who thrived under Amorim’s system. A left-footer with calmness on the ball and strong passing range, Inacio would offer something the current squad lacks, especially with Lisandro Martinez’s fitness concerns. His €60 million release clause may not need to be triggered in full, as Sporting could be open to slightly lower offers, making him a potentially more affordable signing than Diomande.
While neither deal is close to completion, both players represent clear upgrades in United’s defensive setup. Each is well-versed in Amorim’s preferred system, and both are seen as natural fits should United move to a back-three formation. The fact that these players are familiar with the tactical demands and expectations of the new manager makes them particularly attractive targets.
Despite earlier public statements, Amorim’s influence over transfers is clearly growing. The players linked with United aren’t just high-quality — they’re loyal to him and believe in his footballing vision. Whether it’s Diomande or Inacio, bringing in one of these former Sporting stars could mark the beginning of a tactical evolution at Old Trafford under Amorim’s leadership.
