Amorim looks to Sporting CP for key piece in Man Utd revival | OneFootball

Man Utd Target Sporting CP Star as Amorim Eyes Key Reunion

Interest in Pedro Goncalves reignited

Manchester United have reportedly identified Pedro Goncalves as a concrete summer target, with the Sporting CP star said to be eager for a reunion with new Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim. According to TeamTalk, Goncalves is back on the radar at Old Trafford after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Having worked closely with Goncalves over five seasons in Lisbon, Amorim is believed to hold his former playmaker in particularly high regard. “Goncalves remains a player of notable interest” and has “cemented himself as an excellent candidate,” reports Theatre Of Red.

Photo: IMAGO

The 25-year-old attacker, who has recently returned to full fitness, has already found the net since April and continues to be closely monitored by United scouts. The report notes that the “remarkable talent” is “keen on the prospect” of joining Amorim in Manchester.

Amorim rebuild begins with familiar faces

Amorim has made no secret of the scale of the challenge ahead. United currently sit 16th in the Premier League, and while they remain in the Europa League final, the Portuguese coach has acknowledged that silverware alone won’t mask the need for major squad reconstruction.

Players familiar with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, such as Goncalves, are expected to feature prominently in recruitment discussions. Goncalves scored 81 goals and assisted 61 more in 190 appearances under Amorim, making him the most prolific player the manager has coached.

Photo: IMAGO

Only Nuno Santos has played more games under Amorim, and while Viktor Gyokeres has also impressed with 66 goals in a shorter spell, it is Goncalves who remains the benchmark.

Questions over Premier League transition

While there is confidence in Goncalves’ ability, there are still questions about how his productivity in Portugal might translate to the Premier League. Nonetheless, the strength of his relationship with Amorim and proven fit in the system may prove persuasive.

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This is exactly the type of move that makes sense under Amorim. Pedro Goncalves isn’t just another stat-padding forward—he’s been at the heart of Amorim’s best work at Sporting. Their chemistry, tactical understanding, and the numbers speak for themselves. Over 140 goal contributions in five years? That’s not accidental.

United have needed a reliable creative outlet for seasons now. Bruno Fernandes can’t do it alone, and Goncalves fits the profile of a modern attacker: intelligent movement, vision, and an ability to operate between the lines. He won’t need six months to adjust to Amorim’s system—he knows it inside out.

And from a squad morale point of view, bringing in a player who trusts the manager helps stabilise a dressing room still recovering from a turbulent season. This isn’t just a sentimental reunion—it’s a calculated step forward. If they want to climb out of 16th and stay competitive in Europe, this is the calibre of signing they need.