Football Today
·6 November 2024
Football Today
·6 November 2024
Manchester United have had an underwhelming start in the Premier League and Europa League this term.
The Red Devils are languishing 13th in the league with only 12 points from 10 games.
Their European campaign has also been poor, with three points from as many outings.
Ruben Amorim will formally take charge of United next week, and he faces a huge task in changing the club’s fortunes.
The 39-year-old is unlikely to be backed with a spending spree in January and may have to wait until the end of the season to sign his desired targets.
Despite this, Amorim will be shortlisting his possible options, and United should line up a transfer for Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves.
Viktor Gyokeres has grabbed most of the headlines since his move to Sporting CP from Coventry City, but Goncalves has been superb with his playmaking.
The 26-year-old stepped up for Sporting after Bruno Fernandes’ exit four years ago, and he has been consistent with his goal contributions.
Goncalves had 35 goal contributions from 47 appearances last term, and he has continued his rich vein of form with 11 goal involvements in as many games this term.
He was also brilliant in the 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City last night. He provided the assist for Maxi Araujo’s goal to secure a 2-1 lead.
The Portuguese completed all of his passes and his dribbles while winning eight out of 10 duels contested.
Goncalves also won three out of four tackles attempted. He would be a brilliant acquisition for the Red Devils as Amorim has got the best out of him.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player has the ability to comfortably play in central midfield, attacking midfield and on the left wing.
Goncalves has a release clause worth £67 million in his contract. United may need to spend close to that figure to persuade Sporting to sanction his sale.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.