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Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their efforts to reunite Ruben Amorim with Sporting Lisbon sensation Geovany Quenda.
Amorim’s first game in charge of United ended in a 1-1 draw, as Ipswich Town star Omari Hutchinson spoiled the mood of the away fans by cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s 81-second opener.
The outing highlighted the Portuguese’s determination to instill his ideas, based around the 3-4-3 formation, from the get-go. In the early phases of the game, the Red Devils looked impressive, but as the night progressed, it became clear Amorim needs more time and players to properly implement his tactics.
It appears the United board are working on just that, with a report from Portugal claiming the Premier League giants have intensified their efforts to bring in a familiar face for their new manager.
According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), United have “stepped up their interest” in Quenda, after making initial contact last month.
The 17-year-old prodigy, who earned his breakthrough under Amorim, largely played as a right wing-back under him, and impressed fans and clubs across Europe with his dribbling and intensity.
Amorim showed a tremendous level of trust in the young Portuguese talent and even started him against Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this season.
Now, he reportedly wants to manage Quenda at United, and the club’s hierarchy are supposedly ready to make that happen.
It is understood the Mancunians are “preparing an offer” of €60m plus bonuses for the dynamic player. The aim is supposedly to bring him to Old Trafford next summer after he turns 18 in April 2025.
Quenda is highly-rated in Lisbon and his contract, which runs until 2027, includes a release clause, believed to be worth €100m. However, it is claimed Sporting are open to negotiating a deal with the English side for €60m plus bonuses.
Amorim deployed Amad Diallo as a right wing-back against Ipswich, and the Ivorian even earned praise from his manager for his defensive work.
However, Diallo still has a lot to learn when it comes to playing in that position and at the moment Quenda appears to be a more suitable option for the system.
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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