INEOS and Amorim set to collide as head coach demands former protege’s signing in January – report

Manchester United could do with defensive reinforcements having ignored the position last summer despite losing two veterans. Jonny Evans retired while Victor Lindelof departed after his contract came to an end. Despite Lisandro Martinez’s long-term injury, INEOS focussed on improving the attack. They are planning to strengthen at the back next summer, but by then, Ruben Amorim could lose his prime target to Liverpool. Zeno Debast, who joined Sporting CP under the Portuguese tactician, has been identified as the perfect defensive fit, owing to his familiarity with the system and his skillset. Amorim wants Zeno Debast As per SportsBoom, the United head coach would prefer to sign the 22-year-old in January so as to give him time to adapt to his new surroundings. Amorim wants Harry Maguire to take the Belgian under his wing, and mould him into a superstar. However, Sporting are likely to demand £50 million to part ways with the ex-Anderlecht ace. INEOS are unlikely to spend as much in the winter, and that will allow Liverpool to pounce. Arne Slot’s side want Marc Guehi, but Zeno Debast is seen as the perfect backup options should Palace not allow the Englishman to leave mid-season. “Ruben Amorim is keen on a reunion with Zeno Debast, but understands he could miss out on the centre-back with competition for his signature rife. “Our sources understand Amorim is in the market for a new centre-half. It is understood that the player will be the long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, who Amorim wants to keep at Old Trafford. Liverpool could beat United to the punch “Amorim sees Maguire as the perfect experienced head to take a young centre-back like Debast under his wing and to help mould him into a Premier League, and more importantly, a Manchester United player. “Debast is only 22 and could prove a gamble, with fee of around £50m likely needed for Sporting to part with the player. It is understood that Red Devils’ bosses are unwilling to spend big in January after parting with around £250m in the summer. “And that means Amorim could miss out on his top defensive target having been told to wait until the end of the season. Debast emerged on Liverpool’s radar as a potential alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi if Arne Slot misses out on his man for the second window running.” This is the not the only contentious topic over which Amorim and INEOS could collide, with the co-owners also denying midfield reinforcements in the winter. Should Zeno Debast remain in Lisbon, United are expected to return for his services in the summer. Now to see whether any other team takes the plunge in the winter. Feature image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25