Man United boss Amorim working to sign defender

Ruben Amorim was denied a winning start to his tenure as Manchester United head coach as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town on Sunday. 

After Marcus Rashford had put the visitors ahead in the opening minutes at Portman Road, ex-Chelsea attacker Omari Hutchinson responded with a spectacular deflected shot that drew the hosts level before the break.

Despite their dominance, United were unable to find a winner and Amorim was therefore forced to settle for a point in his first match in charge of the Red Devils.

Amorim will likely want to delve into the transfer market when the window reopens in January, and it appears that he has already made contact about a potential move to sign one of his former players.

According to CaughtOffside, the 39-year-old has made contact with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomandé about a potential move to Old Trafford.

Diomande is a target or Manchester United

The 20-year-old played an integral role in helping Amorim’s Sporting side to the Portuguese top flight title last term, and the report suggests that he is therefore keen to work with the player again.

United are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in the race to sign the centre-back, the report claims, but Amorim’s position at United has likely made the Red Devils favourites to sign him.

The Ivory Coast international has a release clause of around £66 million included in his current contract, set to run until 2027, and the report claims that Sporting are likely to hold out for that fee if interest in the player is realised.

Diomande joined Sporting from Danish side Mintjylland in January 2023, and has has now established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Portuguese top flight.

United’s interest comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, all of whom are in the final year of their respective contracts.