EXCLUSIVE: Amorim makes Inacio demand and picks surprise Mainoo replacement

Steve Kay

Updated: 7 Apr 2025 19:26 BST
4 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants a new centre-back this summer in a move that could heavily influence Lisandro Martinez's career at Old Trafford.

Article continues under the video

The Red Devils are gearing up for one of the biggest transfer windows in recent history, and there are several problem positions that need to be fixed after yet another dire season.

Current ETV

Gonçalo Inácio

D (CL)

Sporting CP

Gonçalo Inácio

D (CL)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€41.5M - €50.8M

With Ruben Amorim's style very different to that of predecessor Erik ten Hag, a squad overhaul is needed. Man Utd want to bring in an elite striker, while the Portuguese tactician needs more wing-backs for his system.

However, FootballTransfers understands that Amorim has also made it clear internally that he would like a new centre-back as well, despite Man Utd appearing well-stocked in that department.

We hear that Amorim remains a huge admirer of his former Sporting CP protégé Goncalo Inacio, but there have so far been no formal talks given the uncertainty over Man Utd's sporting and financial position.

An initial approach is expected to be made in the coming weeks. The 23-year-old has a €60 million release clause, but there was talk of a €35m-€40m price tag when Borussia Dortmund enquired about him in January.

Meanwhile, Amorim's former Benfica teammate Victor Lindelof is set to leave the club, while 37-year-old Jonny Evans is also out of contract this summer. Yet, the coach's desire to bring in a fresh face at the back is not entirely driven by these impending departures.

Amorim has doubts over Martinez

Sources have informed us that Lisandro Martinez is a key factor in Amorim's thinking. The 2022 World Cup winner is currently nursing an ACL injury and is not expected to return until the end of the year or potentially even 2026.

But Amorim's concerns go beyond the immediate need for another body in defence. We are told that the 40-year-old has genuine doubts over Martinez's suitability to his back-three system.

Indeed, there is a feeling that Amorim would be open to sacrificing the Argentine to aid Man Utd's bid of raising funds. But with clubs unlikely to splash the cash on a player who is injured long-term, the coach could spring a surprise to better integrate Martinez into his formation upon his return.

Sources say that Amorim is willing to give Martinez a chance in midfield, which is not a totally foreign role to him. During his first season at Ajax in 2019/20, the diminutive centre-back played primarily as a defensive midfielder.

This willingness to experiment is brought about by the ongoing uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo. Man Utd would be loath to sell their homegrown star, but their hand could be forced due to their persistent struggles with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Additionally, there is an expectation that Casemiro will receive offers this summer. Martinez would be more of a like-for-like replacement for the former Real Madrid star than Mainoo, although he would not be a guaranteed starter in midfield, regardless of whom he replaces.

The expectation would be for Man Utd to dip into the market for a more natural midfielder should they indeed sell Mainoo this summer. Either way, it is evident that Amorim is ready to make big changes at Old Trafford in the future.