Marcus Rashford has been left out of Man Utd’s last three matchday squads (Image: Getty)
With failing to even make the bench in any of the last three games, it seems likelier than ever that he will be moved on in January.
Losing a player of that stature will almost certainly require United to venture into the winter market for a replacement. youngster Kenan Yildiz and forward Matheus Cunha are among those rumoured to be on the radar of Old Trafford transfer chiefs.
Another name in the mix is that of a player Red Devils manager knows well: Pedro Goncalves. United were understood to be the Sporting star before their ill-fated move for Jadon Sancho in 2021.
And now, with Rashford seemingly on his way out and Amorim in situ, fresh have sprung up linking Goncalves to United. The 26-year-old is a natural fit on the left side of Amorim’s narrow front-three, having torn the Liga Portugal to shreds in that position for Sporting.
Goncalves has racked up an impressive 81 goals in 190 games for the Lisbon giants, including five in 12 matches this campaign.
His career took off after signing for Sporting in 2020, but things could have panned out very differently. His first taste of senior football came with Wolves, as part of their stable of promising Portuguese talent.
Pedro Goncalves was one of Ruben Amorim’s star players at Sporting (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
But he only managed one senior appearance for the West Midlands side, in the League Cup, before signing for Famalicao. One season there was enough to convince Sporting to pull the trigger.
Goncalves’ numbers in Portugal, as well as his compatibility with Amorim’s system, speak for themselves in terms of why United would be interested. But a deeper dive into his history throws up one area of concern.
indicate that Goncalves, formerly known as ‘Pote’, left England due to a bout of homesickness. And the Red Devils must bear that in mind when considering whether he has what it takes to cut it in the , or if the home comforts of Portugal bring out the best in him.
Amorim himself may not need much convincing. The 39-year-old was the manager who brought Goncalves to Sporting, and he could hardly speak higher of him.
“He can play in any team in the world and with any player, because he is a great player,” said the United boss. “I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. He is also very intelligent. But he could play in any team in the world.”