“Rock-solid” United defensive target stalling on new contract, he’s perfect for Amorim’s system – report

Manchester United invested over £200 million in their attack this summer, but their backline remains a cause for concern. The Red Devils switched to a back-three in the middle of last season following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, but it did little to improve their fortunes. The English giants finished the campaign sitting 15th in the Premier League, having conceded 54 goals in 38 games, and registering a -10 goal difference. For context, Arsenal conceded just 34 goals in the league last season, the fewest in the top tier of English football. While United have improved by leaps and bounds following their summer splurge, they have struggled to contain goals this season as well. United’s poor defensive record The Red Devils are now seventh in the league table after 13 games, three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Amorim has benefitted from the investment in attack, with his team scoring 21 goals so far. However, United have also conceded 20 times already in the Premier League, managing just one clean sheet so far. League leaders Arsenal, meanwhile, have registered seven clean sheets, letting in just seven goals this season. While United invested in the backline in the summer of 2024, the situation warrants further additions, especially since Harry Maguire’s contract expires next summer and he has not signed a new deal yet. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United are planning to reunite Amorim with Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande in 2026. A fresh update on the matter has now emerged. Diomande stalling new deal According to A Bola, Sporting are eager to tie Diomande down to a new deal, but the player is stalling a contract renewal. The Ivorian defender’s contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade expires at the end of next season, and United are among the clubs eyeing a cut-price move in 2026. The Portuguese club are offering Diomande a new deal until 2030 that will double his current wages, but have failed to convince the player amid interest from the Premier League. Crystal Palace failed with a €55 million bid for the 21 year old this summer, and remain hot on his heels, while Newcastle United are also keeping a close eye on the defender. However, Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford could work to the Red Devils’ advantage in the race. Diomande has missed quite a few games this season due to a muscle injury, but that has not affected the interest in his signature so far. Ousmane Diomande Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Liga Portugal4–1-328′ UEFA Champions League3—-190′ Taça de Portugal1–1-90′ Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira1–1-69′ Total9–3-677′ Source: Transfermarkt. Diomande reportedly has a €80 million release clause in his deal, but United will be hoping that they can secure his signature for much less. Final Thoughts Diomande appeared 69 times under Amorim during their time together at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and was a key figure in his league-winning team. As such, the young defender can hit the ground running with a move to the Theatre of Dreams. With Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven also in United’s squad, Diomande’s potential arrival could sort out the backline for the next decade. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.