Manchester United Likely Destination For This Bruno-esque Midfielder: What Will He Bring To Old Trafford?

Recent reports from Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sports Witness) claim that Manchester United are keen on signing Sporting midfielder Pedro Goncalves in the upcoming transfer window as Ralf Rangnick looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.

The Red Devils are ‘attentive’ to Pote, who is ‘waiting for concrete offers’ at the end of the season. With several European clubs keeping tabs on the player, a move seems to be on the cards.

Having come through the youth ranks at Braga, Pedro Goncalves joined Sporting Club de Portugal from fellow Primeira Liga club Famalicao in the summer of 2020 for a fee in the region of €6.5 million. Over the course of the last two years, the Portuguese international has made 70 appearances for the Lions, netting 37 goals and bagging 15 assists across all competitions.

Even this term, he has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 3.4 shots, 1.1 dribbles, 1.6 key passes, and 1.2 through balls per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.35, the 23-year-old has been one of the best players on his side this season.

Capable of playing down either wing or as an attacking midfielder, versatility is one of his main strengths.

What Will He bring To Old Trafford?

Marcus Rashford has been in terrible form over the past few months, whereas it’s highly likely that Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will depart the club in the summer. Juan Mata’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

Given the circumstances, Manchester United need some fresh recruitments in the attacking department if they intend to strengthen the present squad – and Pedro Goncalves fits the bill perfectly. Aged 23, the Vidago-born playmaker is the ideal option for the Red Devils as he is clinical, composed, and highly effective down the middle and the wings.

(Stats from WhoScored)