Manchester United still have work to do defensively and may look to sign reinforcements
We have reached the beginning of September and any hopes of a calmer season at Manchester United have already been diminished. The Ruben Amorim soap opera at Old Trafford is far from over after a conflicting August, which began and ended with optimism for the Red Devils but has certainly left much to be desired.
A positive performance in opening-day defeat at home to Arsenal was followed by a failure to capitalise on first-half dominance in a draw at Craven Cottage, before disaster struck as United were beaten by League Two minnows Grimsby Town in the second round of the EFL Cup. The expression on the face of Amorim that night was matched by his exasperation the following weekend as United narrowly won 3-2 against newly-promoted Burnley in what was almost another fatal slip-up.
Man United linked with Sporting CP defender Zeno Debast
According to reports by Caught Offside, Man United are ‘scouting’ 21-year-old Sporting CP centre-back Zeno Debast. The Belgian defender has impressed in Portugal and is reported to have an €80 million (£69m) release clause in his contract following a €21m (£18m) move from Anderlecht in summer 2024.
The Red Devils are not alone in admiring Debast, who has also reportedly attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa. Caught Offside state that United are preparing to lodge a January bid worth around €40m (£35m), a far cry from the defender’s release clause.
The suggestion is that the two clubs may decide to meet somewhere in the middle in order to secure a deal. Amorim’s influence could prove crucial, as Debast was signed under the Portuguese at Sporting and the Red Devils board may give their head coach the final say over a move for his former player, with team-mate Morten Hjulmand also linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Zeno Debast deal could transform Manchester United defence
Securing a move for Debast could prove greatly significant for the Red Devils, as the 6ft 3in centre-back has built up a strong reputation in Europe and is still only in the early stages of his career.
Already earning 20 Belgium caps by the age of 21, Debast was called up to squads for both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 - the former as an 18-year-old - and has not looked back since. With that level of international experience already under his belt, Debast could thrive under the spotlight at Old Trafford and help the Red Devils return to their former glory. Clean sheets have been hard to come by for United in recent months and the signing of Debast could prove a key factor in turning this around.
The defender received high praise from Sporting CP head coach Rui Borges after he was required to fill in at holding midfield for parts of last season. Borges even said that Debast will make a good captain in the future.
Borges said: “He has adaptable characteristics. He realises that the team need this and that's why he tries to play a new position, helps and listens. He has had a huge capacity to learn and doesn't complain about not playing in his favoured position. He is always available and happy in his day-to-day life. He will easily be a leader and a good captain in the future.”
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