Ruben Amorim missed out on one of his top targets he wanted to sign at Manchester United.
After being appointed as head coach in November, Ruben Amorim promised to not sign Sporting players in January out of respect for his former side.
Amorim is keen to reunite with Viktor Gyokeres now that his promise has been honoured, but there have been some complications with the Portuguese club and his asking price.
Another Sporting player that Amorim wanted to join him at Old Trafford was Geovany Quenda, but Ineos missed out on a deal for the 18-year-old.
Chelsea beat United to Quenda, agreeing a £42million deal with Sporting for him to join in 2026.
Sporting Lisbon wing-back Geovany Quenda in action.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Geovany Quenda drops Portugal masterclass to add to Ineos guilt
United viewed Quenda as an ideal wing-back for Amorim and his 3-4-2-1 system, but instead Ineos have been forced to look elsewhere.
However, the recruitment team at Old Trafford might regret not pushing harder for the teenager after watching his latest performance on the international stage.
Quenda was called up to Portugal’s Under-21s squad this summer and he started in their 0-0 draw against France’s Under-21s on Wednesday evening.
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Playing at right wing in a 4-3-3 formation, Quenda played the first hour before being substituted, but the statistics behind his display show just how much of an impact he made.
Minutes played 60
Shots taken 2
Touches 30
Passes completed 93% (14/15)
Key passes 2
Crosses 100% (1/1)
Duels won 57% (4/7)
Geovany Quenda match stats for Portugal U21s vs France U21s.
Quenda was impressive in possession, completing 93% of his passes and creating two big chances for his teammates.
After playing at wing-back under Amorim, it is also no surprise that Quenda was impressive defensively with four duels won.
Man United still need wing-back signings
Amorim found it difficult in his first season to get United’s squad to adapt to his playing style and three-at-the-back formation.
A large part of the problem was that United had no specialist wing-backs when Amorim arrived. In fact, Amorim demanded a left wing-back after just one game in charge.
In January, Patrick Dorgu arrived in a £31.5m deal to solve Amorim’s wing-back issues on the left, and the 20-year-old impressed during his first six months at Old Trafford.
On the right, though, United are yet to find a replacement signing after missing out on Quenda.
READ MORE: Man Utd’s transfer activity suggests Ruben Amorim has found his Geovany Quenda at Old Trafford
Amad Diallo could play right wing-back next season after starring there at times last season, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui also played there.
However, if there is any remaining budget this summer, United could make a move for a new wing-back.