Viktor Gyökeres isn’t the only star Rúben Amorim could reunite with

The summer transfer window has been all about Viktor Gyökeres for Manchester United. The prolific Sporting CP striker is manager Rúben Amorim’s top attacking target, and his explosive goal-scoring record in Portugal has made him one of the most coveted forwards in Europe. But with Arsenal pushing hard for the Swedish international and currently leading the race, United may be forced to pivot.

And now, per Steve Kay of Football Transfers, the Red Devils are looking back at Lisbon for another former Amorim disciple—Gonçalo Inácio, one of the most talented young center backs in Europe.

Amorim’s new defensive general?

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on a potential loan deal with an obligation to buy the Sporting defender for around €40 million, a figure well below some of the fees being quoted for center backs this summer. That would be a major coup, given Inácio’s pedigree and track record in both the Primeira Liga and Europe.

The 23-year-old has been linked to Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal for multiple transfer windows, and it’s somewhat surprising that no deal has materialized yet. A natural left-footed center back with elite anticipation and ball-playing skills, Inácio reads the game at a level well beyond his age and is one of the best distributors in Europe from the backline. He’s also tactically well-versed, having played in a back three under Amorim for years—a perfect tactical match if Amorim wants to bring that structure to Old Trafford.

CB depth still a concern for United

Despite already signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt earlier this summer, United are not ruling out more additions at center back. That may sound like overkill, but the club knows that their other center back options have uncertain futures, and De Ligt has struggled with consistency and fitness over the past two seasons. Inácio could represent both a depth option and a genuine upgrade in Amorim’s eyes—a defender he knows, trusts, and has developed into an international-caliber player.

Not just about the striker

While Manchester United’s No. 9 search remains the top priority, and names like Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško are still on the radar alongside Gyökeres, there’s an emerging sense that this rebuild will be more than just about goals. Amorim’s project at United could center on rebuilding the spine of the team, from back to front, with technically-gifted, tactically-adaptable players like Inácio who fit his system and style.

If Gyökeres ends up in North London, United fans shouldn’t despair. Gonçalo Inácio might not be a striker, but his reunion with Amorim could end up being just as crucial to the team’s evolution—especially in a league where top-class central defenders are in short supply and long-term solutions are priceless.

United may have missed out on Wirtz, Nico Williams, and potentially Gyökeres. But if they land Inácio quietly, they could still end up with one of the smartest signings of the window.