Sporting CP star Francisco Trincão faces a difficult decision as Manchester United plot to reunite Ruben Amorim with his former pupil, according to a report.
An Old Trafford reunion
Spanish outlet Fichajes
reveals the Red Devils view Trincão, 25, as an “ideal reinforcement” given the attacker’s familiarity in Amorim’s system.
Trincão joined Barcelona in 2020 for €30 million as a 20-year-old from Braga, but the stage was too grand and the move too soon for a player so young.
Am unsuccessful loan to Wolves the following season was followed by a return to form for the skilful Portuguese in another loan to Sporting under the tutelage of Amorim.
Across 161 matches for the Lions, he has returned 39 goals and 34 assists, playing a pivotal role in Amorim’s title-winning side – Sporting’s first in nearly two decades.
And it’s this potent pairing of attacking productivity and proven experience in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up which has put him in United’s cross hairs.
“Manchester United’s interest in Trincao is no coincidence. The Portuguese player could be reunited with Rúben Amorim , the manager who has best exploited his talent in the past.
“Trincao’s numbers reinforce the idea that he’s ready for the Premier League. His ability to create unbalance on the wings and his vision fit the profile Old Trafford is looking for.
United have begun the new season in much the same way they finished the previous campaign under Amorim: struggling to score goals and dropping points as a result.
The lure of capable attacker is obvious, even if it suggests tacit acceptance at Old Trafford that the £200 million outlay to secure Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in the summer has not fixed the issue as intended.
A difficult decision
Fichajes reveals Sporting are “aware of Trincao’s importance to their team” and appreciate the financial package the 25-year-old will receive if he swaps Lisbon for Manchester.
This is reflected in the club’s fierce fanbase who appreciate their attacker’s ability to consistently produce “decisive moments”.
“Sporting Lisbon, for its part, is preparing for any scenario. Trincao’s possible departure would force the club to look for a reliable replacement to maintain its competitiveness,” the report details.
“The coming months will be decisive for Trincao’s future. Between loyalty to Sporting Lisbon and the temptation of Manchester United, the striker will have to make a decision that will shape his career.”
INEOS remain intent on backing Amorim despite his team’s struggles this season – and a move to reunite him with a key member of his successful Sporting side is the clearest evidence yet of this continued faith.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
