Latest developments
- Harry Maguire will likely not be given a renewal at Man United
- Man United will look to sign Ruben Amorim's choice at centre-back
- Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio could be an option for the Red Devils
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Source has no real basis for the rumour
Manchester United are highly likely to shift to a back-three in defence upon Ruben Amorim's arrival at the club during the international break, and it has been questioned as to which current centre-backs at Old Trafford could fit into his preferred formation, which differs massively from former head coach Erik ten Hag's setup.
As such, Harry Maguire could be looking to revive his Red Devils career before the end of this contract in 2025. It has been suggested that Manchester United could opt away from handing the experienced centre-back a new contract and instead make a move for Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio due to his familiarity with Amorim's tactical setup.
TBR Football have a rather hot or cold time with their exclusives, so the reports need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Maguire still has plenty of time to impress Amorim before talks of his departure can be taken seriously, as the former Manchester United captain will look to impress the Portuguese manager. As for United's interest in Inacio, the report comes from Sky Sports and can be considered almost word for word.
Value (2/5): Advantage United as Everton’s finances hang in balance
Making a move for Inacio in the winter transfer window will be a tough blow to Manchester United's already fragile finances as the Portuguese centre-back has a reported release clause of €60 million (£50.3m) in his contract with Sporting CP, which runs out in the summer of 2027.
Suitability (5/5): Left-footed centre-back with a prowess in a three-man setup
Manchester United do not lack centre-backs, however, signing Inacio would give the Red Devils a lot of cover since they are likely to shift to a three-man defence under Amorim. Given Inacio's familiarity with Amorim's tactical setup, if the left-footed centre-back made the move to Old Trafford, he would likely slot right into the Red Devils' defence.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Inacio over Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro?
With Leny Yoro's young age and Lisandro Martinez's drop in form, Inacio could easily make the left centre-back spot his own. However, his 6ft frame could be questioned, especially in the Premier League. While the Portuguese centre-back held his own against Manchester City's Erling Haaland earlier this week, facing a similar physical threat week in and week out in a new territory could pose a threat to Inacio's confidence early on.
Logic (2/5): A considerable personal risk for Branthwaite
Man United have already invested heavily in the centre-back position over the summer, with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro costing the club close to €107 million (£88.9m). As such, INEOS and Manchester United's sporting department could question another move for a centre-back.
However, Inacio would also provide Amorim with a sense of familiarity with the brand-new surroundings around him at Manchester United.
Whisper+ final verdict – 14 /25
Amorim may trust Inacio more than the centre-backs currently at Manchester United due to his work with the Portuguese centre-back. However, splashing the cash on a centre-back yet again may not be the wisest move.
With time, Amorim may start trusting the centre-backs already at the club, and as such, they will be better off not making a move for Inacnio in the 2025 winter transfer window. If need be, the 2025 summer window could provide Manchester United with the best opportunity to make investments for Amorim's first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
