"I won’t in January, that’s what I said" - Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim hints at summer move for Sporting CP star

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has hinted that he could plan a reunion with Pedro Goncalves at Old Trafford this summer. The Portuguese midfielder has been in fine form for Sporting this season, registering five goals and six assists from 11 games.

Amorim is all set to take charge of the Red Devils on Monday, November 11, as Erik ten Hag's replacement. The Dutch manager lost his job following a string of poor results that sees Manchester United sit 13th in the Premier League table after 10 games.

Amorim is expected to make multiple changes to an underperforming squad. The Portuguese manager has also been backed to bring some of his current players, including Goncalves, to Old Trafford in 2025.

Speaking to the press on Saturday (November 9), as cited by Metro, Amorim reiterated that he won't sign a player from Sporting in January.

"I won’t in January, that’s what I said. I don’t know about the summer. The first point – to hold on until the summer. Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see."

The Portuguese manager went on to heap praise on Goncalves, insisting that the 26-year-old can play for any team in the world.

"He can play in any team in the world and with any player, because he is a great player," said Amorim.

He continued:

"I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. But he is also very intelligent, but he also has to focus on Sporting because we have to be champions this year. But he could play in any team in the world."

Manchester United have also been linked with moves for Sporting duo Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande of late.

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When is Ruben Amorim's first home game as Manchester United manager?

Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim's first game in charge of Manchester United will be away to Ipswich Town on November 24 in the Premier League. The Portuguese manager is likely to use the upcoming international break to acclimatize to his new surroundings.

Amorim will walk out of the tunnel at Old Trafford with the team for the first time on November 28, when the Red Devils will face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. The Portuguese's first home game in the Premier League will come against Everton the following weekend.

However, his first real test could be Manchester United's league game against Arsenal on December 4.