Manchester United still have a good working relationship with Portuguese side Sporting CP in spite of Chelsea beating them to the signing of wonderkid Geovany Quenda.
The Red Devils have historically found Sporting a successful business partner as they have signed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Bruno Fernandes from the club.
In addition, they also brought in Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff in November when former manager Erik ten Hag was sacked in October.
United also looked poised to seal the deal for their 17 year old talent Quenda as numerous outlets reported that the two clubs were in deep discussions for the player.
Nonetheless, almost out of nowhere, it was announced that Chelsea had snatched the deal from right under the noses of United and that he would join the West Londoners in 2026.
Perhaps it could be understood if United were not best pleased with the Lisbon outfit after missing out on one of Amorim’s dream targets but according to sources, the two clubs still enjoy a positive relationship.
GIVEMESPORT report that “Manchester United and Sporting CP still have a workable relationship despite Geovany Quenda being signed by Chelsea”
United were said to be “stunned” when missing out on the wingback but it has since been revealed that the teenager wanted to play in a more attacking role than the wingback slot in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
Despite disappointment over Quenda, it’s understood that the positive relationship between the two clubs “could open the door to players such as Francisco Trincão, Morten Hjulmand, or Viktor Gyokeres” to move to Old Trafford.
United are looking for attacking players who have been successful in Amorim’s system and Gyokeres and Trincão certainly fit the bill in this regard.
However, neither star will come cheap whereas Quenda, being only 17, fit the Ineos blueprint perfectly both in terms of age and price range.
It is unclear at this stage as to whether the funds or the inclination will be there to pursue any of the more established Sporting stars, with 11 weeks still to go before the transfer window opens again.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
