In a recent print edition, O Jogo mentioned that Manchester United are planning to hold talks to sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio. It has been claimed that the Red Devils are hoping to secure the services of the Portugal international during the summer transfer window.
Inacio’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football This Season
Inacio is having a decent campaign at the Portuguese club as he has produced a string of impressive performances for them on the defensive end of the pitch. The 21-year-old has registered three goals and three assists in 48 appearances for Sporting this season across all fronts.
The two-time Portugal international has caught the eye for his defensive contributions based on his average of 1.1 tackles, 1.3 key passes and 1.9 clearances per game in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 89.8% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Sporting is set to expire in the summer of 2026. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Red Devils to snap him up at the end of this season.
Is Inacio The Right Fit For Manchester United?
Inacio is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team at the back. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and can use his strong 1.85m frame to win some 50-50 aerial duels for his side. Inacio is primarily a centre-back but can also fill in as a left-back if told to do so.
The Portuguese sensation is a good passer of the ball as well. Thus, he would be a good fit for Man United head coach Erik ten Hag‘s style of play at Old Trafford.
We can expect Inacio to inject more quality into the Mancunian club‘s backline and offer some serious competition for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the Theatre of Dreams in the coming seasons.
At 21, the future is quite bright for Inacio which makes him a good choice for the Red Devils to consider in this off-season.
