Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves as a solution for their right wing problems.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Manchester United are lining up a transfer move for Sporting Lisbon ace Pedro Goncalves in the summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks for a solution for the right wing problem.
Goncalves, also known as ‘Pote’, rose through the youth ranks at SC Braga and had stints away at Valencia and Wolves before making his senior breakthrough at Portuguese outfit Famalicao, whom he joined in 2019. After a solid season with the club, Sporting Lisbon came calling for him last summer.
Brought in to replace the talismanic Bruno Fernandes after he made the switch to Manchester United last year, Goncalves has stepped up and delivered in a big way. In 21 Primeira Liga games this season, the 22-year-old has produced a return of 15 goals and 4 assists, helping Sporting to the top of the standings.
While Goncalves has largely been used as a central attacking midfielder this term, the Portuguese is a right-winger primarily and can also play on the left flank or as a No.8, too. The 22-year-old’s goalscoring ability and versatility seems to have put him on the radars of Manchester United.
It is no secret that the right wing has been a pressing issue for Manchester United for quite a number of years now. Last summer saw the Red Devils ardently chase the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho but to no avail.
And even though the England international could be on the market this summer if Dortmund miss out on Champions League football, it seems like Manchester United are keeping their options open with Goncalves also emerging as a potential target.
The report adds that the 22-year-old, who is yet to make his debut for the Portuguese national team, has a release clause of £51.7 million, which could attract the interest of a number of elite clubs, given the way he has performed in his debut season for Sporting Lisbon.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, signing a new right-winger should remain a priority as Mason Greenwood is being groomed for the centre-forward role while Daniel James has blown hot and cold. Young Amad Diallo has shown promise but lacks the experience, so someone like Goncalves could be a good addition to the squad.
Add to it, his versatile nature could also allow Solskjaer to rest and rotate Bruno Fernandes effectively as well. A big window beckons for the 20-time English champions, who have recently rejigged their transfer department with the appointment of John Murtough as Football Director and Darren Fletcher as Technical Director.
Multiple incomings are on the cards while some big players could also be on their way out. It now remains to be seen whether Manchester United act on their reported interest in the 22-year-old Goncalves or resume their pursuit of Sancho in the summer.
