Latest developments
- Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Francisco Trincao.
- Manchester City are also interested in the Portugal winger.
- Sporting CP are reluctant to sell their star forward.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Portuguese outlet spark Manchester rivalry
Manchester United and Manchester City are both monitoring Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao, as they look to add more creativity to their respective ranks. The Portugal winger has already played under Ruben Amorim in Lisbon.
The story comes from the reliable Portuguese publication A Bola, which is one of the most reputed football sources in the country.
Value (3/5): Sporting want to keep Trincao
The 25-year-old is tied to Sporting until the summer of 2026. As such, the upcoming window is perhaps the Lions' last chance to bag a big transfer fee for the £23million-rated star. However, it is underlined that the Portuguese giants aren't too keen on parting ways with the ex-Barcelona man and want to extend his contract.
Suitability (4/5): Wide playmaker
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have struggled under Ruben Amorim because they lack the composure and link-up ability of elite playmakers.
As Amorim likes to deploy two wide number 10s instead of direct wingers, Trincao, who can operate out wide as well as through the middle, is more suited to his system. Under Amorim at Sporting, he managed 23 goals and 27 assists.
Upgrade? (4/5): More creative than current options
Amorim has tried the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo to play alongside Bruno Fernandes in the final third but United still struggle to create chances for their striker on a regular basis. Trincao has better passing range and ball-carrying ability than Amorim's current options bar Fernandes.
Logic (4/5): Tempting reunion
After Trincao's struggles at Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was Amorim who handed him a lifeline at Sporting. As such, the Portugal international should be happy to reunite with the manager who helped him rediscover his confidence.
Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25
Trincao could be a very good signing for the Red Devils but City have the financial might to ruin their neighbours' transfer plans.
