United plotting blockbuster move for “the next Nuno Mendes”, 18yo has broken 88-year club record – report

Ever since Ruben Amorim took charge, Manchester United have ditched their traditional method of attacking with wingers, instead choosing to employ wingbacks. Amad, who was signed as a winger, was repurposed to fit this idea, and the Ivorian has made the right wingback position his own. However, it is the opposite flank where the head coach has struggled to find the right fit. Diogo Dalot has been the go-to option, but he is a traditional fullback and has struggled with the attacking part. Patrick Dorgu was signed from Lecce to play in that position, but he has been hit-or-miss and needs more time. Wingback needed With the Red Devils struggling for any real consistency, the Portuguese tactician could do with help in the January window to address this issues. While a midfielder remains the top priority, The Daily Mail have claimed the club have discussed the possibility of adding a wingback to their armoury as well. In fact, INEOS are reportedly planning to reunite the former Sporting CP boss with one of his former club’s best academy products in Salvador Blopa. “United have discussed Sporting Lisbon right wing back Salvador Blopa,” the report claimed. Salvador Blopa fits the bill, Amorim knows all about him Labelled the “next Nuno Mendes“, the 18-year-old set tongues wagging after he set an 88-year club record on his debut with the Sporting senior team last season. He became the first player for the club to score two goals on his debut since 1937. The academy product can play on either flank and interestingly, his current deal expires in the summer. Sporting have been trying to agree a new long-term deal with the player’s representatives, which will include a mammoth €100 million release clause. It is expected to act as a deterrent, but until that is agreed, the 20-time English league champions have the chance to pounce and potentially seal the signature of Salvador Blopa on a free. Feature image Alex Livesey 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