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Man United want to add more reinforcements in defence in January to bolster his squad.
Manchester United are preparing for their fourth game of the season, a derby match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. It provides a chance for United as City have had a poor start to the season, winning just one of three games, much like the Red Devils.
Amorim had an impressive transfer window, adding a lot of quality in attack; however, they didn’t add many reinforcements in defence. Furthermore, looking at the long-term, Harry Maguire’s contract is set to expire in June, meaning that he will need replacing for the future.
The Red Devils weren’t linked to many centre-backs over the summer transfer window, however, there is now a reported interest in one of Amorim’s former players that he wants to bring to Old Trafford.
Man United ‘preparing’ bid for Zeno Debast
Looking ahead to the January window, United will likely want to add more quality both in midfield and in defence, including said long-term replacement for Maguire, who has been a reliable option at the back for United for several years.
One name that has emerged is Sporting CP centre-back Zeno Debast, who Amorim signed in the 2024 summer window, before he left the Portuguese club for United after Erik Ten Hag’s sacking.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United are preparing a bid of around £35 million for the 21-year-old defender, which would provide a profit for Sporting of over £20 million, which would be a big draw for them. However, the report does say that Sporting CP will be reluctant to sell Debast in mid-season because he is an important player for them.
Debast made 17 appearances for Sporting under Amorim before he left to join United, and he managed to score one goal and provide one assist. He was a key member of Amorim’s squad before he left. Furthermore, the 21-year-old already has 22 caps for the Belgian national team.
Amorim is a huge fan of Debast
Amorim is a big fan of the Belgian international. Firstly, he signed him in 2024, plus he played him regularly during his time there.
Amorim also spoke very highly of the defender when he was at Sporting. He was quoted in Portuguese outlet Bola Na Rede after a game, when he said: “He needs to improve his aerial game and for everyone to believe in him. I think we signed a star. I wouldn’t trade him for any centre-back in the world.”
The fact that Amorim said he wouldn’t trade him for any centre-back in the world suggests just how good he thinks Debast is, and how good he thinks the Belgian defender can be if he continues to develop, considering his young age.
Assuming that Maguire does leave the club at the end of the season, Debast could be the ideal replacement for the long term to become the next reliable defensive option for Amorim.
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