Instead of targeting Watkins, United signed youngster Benjamin Sesco, who brings greater resale value, to a £74m deal. Although he hasn’t been as prolific as expected, his recent double in the 2-2 draw with Burnley suggests things may be looking up for the Slovenian.
Meanwhile, Sene Lamence, who has been United’s number one player recently, is doing quite well. The former Royal Antwerp shot-stopper has proven to be one of United’s most successful recent transfers.
It is no surprise that Amorim turned to his former club Sporting CP to strengthen the squad in various areas. According to reports, winger Giovanny Quenda, midfielder Morten Hjurmand, centre-back Ousmane Diomande and versatile wideman Salvador Bropa are all on his radar.
However, a move for Quenda is not being considered as he has already completed a £42m move to Chelsea ahead of this summer. Still, each of the other three Lisbon-based players could bring something of value to Manchester’s game.
Defensive midfielder Yulmand, in particular, is 26 years old and fits the bill perfectly. Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford this summer, freeing up a significant chunk of his salary, according to reports, while Manuel Ugarte has failed to impress following his £42m move from PSG.
Despite some inconsistencies in the past, United have come to rely heavily on Casemiro’s abilities in midfield. Portuguese newspaper A Bora reported that Yulmando has a release clause of £69m in his contract and will only be active for a short period in the summer, but Sporting could let him go for as low as £43m due to his good behavior.
A player of Diomande’s caliber may not be United’s top priority, given they already have promising young defenders in the first team. However, fitness concerns surrounding players such as Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire could mean priorities change.
Maguire’s departure could create a huge void when his contract expires this summer. Shaw’s contract is due to end after the 2026/27 season, so it may not be long before the need to strengthen the central defense becomes an urgent issue.
Vulopa, 18, is adept at playing as a wing-back or wide midfielder and would have been a perfect fit in Amorim’s former 3-4-3 formation. His versatility could still be useful to United, but securing his services may be more difficult now that he has signed a new contract with Sporting until 2030, which is said to include a hefty £68m release clause.
Finally, Amorim set his sights on PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, but the move would have been very expensive. Signing Mendes could still make sense despite Patrick Dorg taking up the left wing-back position at Old Trafford.
Dorg has shown potential to play on the right and could be used more regularly on the right in the future. Furthermore, signing Mendes, one of Europe’s top talents, in the same position would send a strong message that United remain one of the world’s elite clubs.
