Manchester United’s wide men have been extremely wasteful this season, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho spurning glorious chances in multiple games.
Both prefer playing down the left but under new head coach Ruben Amorim, they will have to adjust or perish with the Mancunian’s future already up in the air.
Rashford’s declining form on the pitch is a concern for INEOS with the academy graduate scoring only four times this campaign with his off-field controversies donning the headlines.
The Argentine has fared little better, scoring six times, but missing multiple easy chances with his attitude while tracking back criticised by his own teammates.
Goncalves is a target
If the England international is moved on, a spot could open up with the Sporting Lisbon boss already informing INEOS of his preference for Pedro Goncalves.
The 26-year-old has five goals and six assists this term, while last season, he netted 18 goals and registered 17 assists from the left as Sporting clinched the league.
Plenty of teams were interested but Amorim was hell-bent on keeping a hold of Goncalves but with the head coach on his way to Manchester, his protege’s future could also lie away from Lisbon.
While Amorim would love to bring the former Wolves star to Old Trafford, the Portuguese champions will not allow him to leave for less than his €80 million release clause.
The Red Devils could struggle to cough up such an amount, especially if the team does not qualify for the Champions League next season.
And the Old Trafford side are not the only English teams in the fray with Sport Witness relaying that West Ham United and Aston Villa are also eyeing the Portugal international.
Villa, West Ham eyeing Goncalves as well
The Hammers sent scouts to watch the winger in action against Manchester City in the Champions League.
While Villa, who are flying high at the moment, still have a shot at signing Goncalves, the Hammers do not look like pulling off the deal.
Goncalves does has Premier League experience and has a point to prove to his critics after his failed Wolves spell and whoever signs him will get an in-form and motivated attacker.
But from a United perspective, a striker and a left-back is a more pressing concern while the midfield is also in need of a revamp. INEOS might need to prioritise at this stage especially if they are short on funds.
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
