Gonçalo Inácio: Highlights of Sporting Defender Shows He Is Exactly What Man United Needs

Gonçalo Inácio: Highlights of Sporting Defender Shows He Is Exactly What Man United Needs

Rene Otinga
updated at October 11, 2023 at 12:11 PM
  • Manchester United are interested in Sporting's Goncalo Inacio, according to reports
  • The Portuguese defender was previously tipped to replace Harry Maguire at Old Trafford
  • A compilation of the defender’s style of play suggests he could be exactly what United needs

Manchester United have reportedly added Goncalo Inacio to their January transfer wish list, according to reports.

The Red Devils have struggled in the defence department in the 2023/24 season, shipping in 12 goals in their opening eight Premier League games.

Inacio has been a name that has been linked with United in the recent past, as he was largely tipped to be Harry Maguire’s replacement.

Goncalo
Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP in action during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and FC Arouca at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 8, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Gualter Fatia.
Source: Getty Images

Maguire was initially expected to move to West Ham United in the summer, but the deal ultimately broke down at the last minute, with the England captain opting to stay at Old Trafford despite a £30million deal in place between the two clubs.

The Mirror reports that Erik ten Hag remains determined to strengthen his defence as early as in January, and Inacio is among the players on the club’s shortlist.

Other names that United could potentially explore include Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, Antonio Silva, who plays for Benfica, and Bayer Leverkusen central defender Edmond Tapsoba.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

As it stands, however, Inacio remains the most plausible option for United for several reasons.

Notably, his agent Miguel Pinho also happened to represent Bruno Fernandes when the midfielder made the sensational move to United in January 2020.

Since rumours of a potential move to United emerged, an interesting compilation of Inacio’s style of play has emerged online, strongly suggesting he could be a great addition to Ten Hag’s squad.

Not only is Inacio good at interceptions, he also appears to have a strong reading of the game, making him extremely difficult to beat in one-on-one situations.

Also, he has a knack of going forward every once in a while and nodding in a goal, as seen in a video shared by @utdsnook on X.

Bruno Fernandes sends Hazard classy message

Sports Brief also reported on the classy message Bruno Fernandes sent Eden Hazard after the Belgian announced his retirement from football.

Hazard called time on his illustrious career on Tuesday, October 10, after an injury-riddled spell that characterised the final years of his playing career.

In a detailed statement posted on Instagram, the former Chelsea star said that he has 'stopped at the right time.'

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.