Which Sporting CP Players Could Follow Ruben Amorim To Man Utd?

LISBON, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 29: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP during the match between ... [+] Sporting CP and CD Nacional for Portuguese League Cup - Allianz Cup at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 29, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim is Manchester United’s first choice to replace Erik ten Hag. That much has been made clear by the widespread reporting of the Old Trafford club’s pursuit of the Sporting CP manager who has also spoken publicly about the interest in him. Amorim could be installed as United boss soon.

This would see changes made to the team on the pitch. Amorim favours a back three with wing backs. He likes to use a double pivot in central midfield and have attacking midfielders get close to an attacking frontman. Manchester United could quickly become a very different team under its new manager, should his appointment be confirmed.

It would be reasonable to assume that Amorim would also push for new additions to be made to his squad in January and next summer when the transfer window is open again. Ten Hag left Manchester United laden with ill-advised signings he pushed for and so Amorim will have to remould the unbalanced squad he is expected to inherit.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 29: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP during the match between Sporting CP ... [+] and CD Nacional for Portuguese League Cup - Allianz Cup at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 29, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres is surely one player Amorim would like to take with him to Old Trafford. The Swedish striker has been on fire this season, scoring an incredible 16 goals in just 13 games for Sporting CP. Gyokeres would give Manchester United the sort of penalty box presence it is currently lacking.

Ousmane Diomande is another Sporting CP player who would improve the squad at Old Trafford. The Ivorian is widely considered one of the best young central defenders in European soccer having spent the last few seasons developing under Amorim. A move to the Premier League would given him the opportunity to develop further.

Pote is one of the best creative midfielders in Liga Portugal having contributed seven goal involvements in six games for Sporting CP this season. At 26, the Portuguese international could be open to a new challenge having failed to crack the Premier League during a spell at Wolves earlier in his career.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - 2024/09/17: Pedro Goncalves of Sporting CP in action during the UEFA Champions ... [+] League phase first match between Sporting CP and Lillie OSC at Estadio Jose Alvalade. Final score: Sporting CP 2:0 Lille OSC. (Photo by Bruno de Carvalho/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Manchester United has had success in the past buying from the Portuguese market. Bruno Fernandes came from Sporting CP, as did Cristiano Ronaldo. It would make sense if United sought to make Amorim more comfortable in his new surroundings by signing some of the players who have previously thrived under him.

Having said this, one of Manchester United’s biggest mistakes under ten Hag was giving the Dutchman too much influence over transfer strategy. It might be foolish to do the same once Amorim is appointed. Nonetheless, there could be good reason for United to take a look at some of the players Amorim has already coached.