I don’t know what to do with him. He has insisted that he’ll rather reunite with Amorim than to move to another club or remain in Sporting” – This is according to Sporting manager Rui Borges as Sporting standout would rather reunite with Ruben Amorim despite transfer interest.
As soon as Ruben Amorim was named Manchester United’s new manager, it was expected that players from his former club, Sporting CP, would quickly be linked with a move to Old Trafford — and that’s exactly what’s happened. Names like Viktor Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, and Morten Hjulmand have all been connected to United since Amorim’s appointment.
Though Amorim stated before officially taking over that he wouldn’t even joke about signing players from Sporting, the temptation is understandable. Now, one player has reportedly expressed a clear desire to reunite with the Portuguese coach, despite interest from other clubs. Meanwhile, Manchester United are also considering a backup plan if that move doesn’t go through.
### Diomande Wants United Move
While centre-back isn’t seen as a pressing need this transfer window — especially given the club’s financial constraints — Manchester United remain alert to top-tier talent that becomes available. And if a player is highly rated, pursued by a rival Premier League club, and eager to play under Amorim again, it could prompt United to take action.
According to Portuguese outlet *Correio da Manhã*, Crystal Palace are actively working on a deal to sign Ousmane Diomande. However, the Sporting defender reportedly prefers a move to United, primarily to reunite with his former coach.
Though Diomande’s contract contains an €80 million release clause, Sporting are thought to be open to negotiations around €50 million — a fee that could bring United into the frame later this summer. If United signal firm interest, Diomande might delay any move in hopes of rejoining Amorim.
### Goncalo Inacio as United’s Plan B
Should a deal for Diomande fall through, United are said to be lining up Goncalo Inacio as an alternative. Inacio, also a standout under Amorim, plays as a left-footed centre-back — a profile United currently lack outside of Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, and the injury-prone Lisandro Martinez.
Inacio’s release clause is set at €60 million, though reports indicate that Sporting might accept a slightly lower offer. Overall, his signing could prove more economical than Diomande’s.
Both players represent significant upgrades to United’s current defensive lineup. While negotiations for either are not yet at an advanced stage, the club remains open to strengthening their defence if the right opportunity arises — particularly if it involves talent that has already thrived under Amorim’s system.
Manchester United’s potential pursuit of **Ousmane Diomande** and **Gonçalo Inácio** reflects a familiar pattern seen when clubs appoint managers with strong tactical identities: they often circle back to players who *already understand the system*.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
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## 🔁 **Diomande and Inácio – Reunions in the Making?**
### 🇨🇮 **Ousmane Diomande (20)**
* **Position:** Right-footed centre-back
* **Contract:** Release clause of €80m
* **Sporting’s asking price:** €50m
* **Linked clubs:** Crystal Palace (leading), Manchester United (player prefers)
* **Key trait:** Physical dominance + ball-playing ability
* **Amorim’s system:** Played regularly as the right-sided CB in a back three
💬 *Diomande has reportedly made it clear he would prefer to join United to reunite with Amorim.* This player-coach relationship, combined with United’s growing focus on signing players familiar with 3-4-2-1 dynamics, makes him a realistic if financially challenging option.
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### 🇵🇹 **Gonçalo Inácio (22)**
* **Position:** Left-footed centre-back
* **Contract:** €60m release clause
* **Valuation:** Could accept slightly less
* **Style:** Calm in possession, excellent passer, progressive carrier
* **Fit at United:**
* Only Martinez and Shaw are left-footed CBs
* Inácio offers balance, especially in a back three or as a ball-dominant partner
💡 *Inácio is tactically versatile and arguably a better financial fit than Diomande. He’s seen as the “Plan B” but may actually offer more immediate tactical value.*
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## 🔍 **Why Centre-Back Isn’t Urgent — But Still Strategic**
* **Existing Options:**
* Lisandro Martinez (injury concerns)
* Matthijs de Ligt (top target)
* Jarrad Branthwaite (price concerns)
* Ayden Heaven (academy prospect)
* Harry Maguire, Willy Kambwala (depth options)
* **Amorim’s System Requires:**
* 3 capable ball-playing CBs
* One ideally left-footed to support buildup down the left
* Versatility and pace in transitions
📌 *Diomande and Inácio both fit — even if not a “priority,” signing one would futureproof the back line in Amorim’s image.*
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## 💰 **Financial Implications**
With:
* **£358.5m already spent** (Kane, Gyökeres, Mbeumo, Leon),
* and the **sale of Garnacho (£50m)** + **nine player departures** reducing the wage bill,
…it’s possible United could move late in the window for one of these centre-backs, especially if:
* De Ligt negotiations stall,
* or Sporting lower their demands further.
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## 🧠 **The Amorim Effect**
Despite saying he wouldn’t “joke” about signing Sporting players, the reality is:
* He **knows their tactical discipline**,
* **Trusts them to adapt quickly**, and
* They’re **keen to follow him**, showing loyalty and belief in his vision.
🚨 A signing like Diomande would signal Amorim’s growing influence over recruitment — and Wilcox and Ashworth’s willingness to back his style.
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### ✅ Summary
| Player | Foot | Position | Clause (€) | Likely Price | Key Advantage |
| —————- | ———— | ———— | ———- | ———— | —————————- |
| Ousmane Diomande | Right-footed | RCB (3-back) | €80m | €50m | Physicality, familiarity |
| Gonçalo Inácio | Left-footed | LCB (3-back) | €60m | €45–50m | Balance, progressive passing |
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Would you like a **side-by-side tactical comparison of Diomande vs Inácio**, or insight into **how one of them would pair with Matthijs de Ligt or Martinez** in Amorim’s preferred setup?
