Manchester United in pole position to sign Portuguese star

Manchester United is gradually regaining form in the Premier League; on Saturday, they defeated Luton Town 1-0 to earn their second consecutive victory by the same score.

However, manager Erik ten Hag continues to worry about an ever-expanding inventory of injuries, which Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund have each contributed to by two.

Following the absences of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez, the defense has been hit the hardest, with recent reports verifying that Jonny Evans will miss a few weeks of play.

Raphael Varane’s injury propensity has further compounded the Dutchman’s problems, and it is clear that Manchester United must make a strategic recruitment effort in January.

Several defenders have been linked with a winter transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, with Goncalo Inacio’s name resurfacing recently.

Ten Hag finds his profile extremely intriguing and alluring due to the fact that he is left-footed and can provide Martinez with adequate coverage, given that United are currently without a left-footed defender.

At first, it appeared that the Sporting Lisbon star was no longer available, but it now appears that the Portuguese is once again being followed by a number of other clubs.

Former leaders Liverpool were believed to be in the lead, but the situation appears to have reversed as United are now in first place among Premier League clubs, according to AS (via Sport Witness).

After conducting an exhaustive scouting process, United are the “first option” should the 22-year-old decide to transfer to the Premier League, surpassing the Merseyside club.

United is also “very interested” in Inacio and is reportedly willing to match his €60 million release clause; accordingly, Real Madrid is also “very interested” in the player and could become a “great rival” in the competition for him.

The center-back appeared in 52 games for his club in all competitions last season, accumulating four goals and three assists while providing 21 clean sheets.

The Portugal international has made sixteen appearances and contributed to four clean sheets in the current campaign. A January transfer is rumored to be imminent, and his future is believed to lay elsewhere than in Lisbon.

Ten Hag is an ideal stylist for Inacio, but it is uncertain whether United will be able to exercise the release clause in January.