PERSONAL TERMS AGREED: Manchester United are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window after reportedly reaching an agreement in principle with a highly rated South American star valued at around £75 million.
With negotiations now at an advanced stage, the deal is said to be nearing full completion, marking an early and decisive move under Rúben Amorim as he continues reshaping the squad to suit his tactical vision.
Since Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, there has been a clear shift in Manchester United’s playing philosophy.
The club has gradually moved away from its long-standing reliance on traditional wingers, opting instead for a system that places greater emphasis on wingbacks to provide width, balance, and attacking thrust.
This tactical adjustment has required significant adaptation from the squad, with some players thriving while others have struggled to fully adjust.
One of the notable success stories has been Amad Diallo. Originally brought in as a winger, the Ivorian has been redefined under Amorim’s system and redeployed as a right wingback.
His pace, work rate, and technical quality have allowed him to excel in the role, making the position his own and becoming one of the more consistent performers in the team.
However, the situation on the left side has been far less settled. Diogo Dalot has frequently been used in that role, but as a more conventional fullback, he has found it difficult to consistently deliver the attacking output required in a wingback system.
While his defensive qualities remain solid, his limitations going forward have been exposed, leaving United unbalanced on that flank.
In an attempt to solve the issue, the club moved to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, identifying him as a potential long-term solution.
Although Dorgu has shown flashes of promise, his performances have been inconsistent.As a young player adapting to a new league and system, he clearly needs time and patience to develop, something United’s current situation does not always afford.
With inconsistency continuing to plague the team, Amorim is believed to be keen on reinforcing his squad during the January window.
While strengthening the midfield remains the club’s primary objective, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Manchester United are also exploring options to bolster their wingback department.
According to those reports, INEOS are considering a move to reunite Amorim with one of the most exciting products of Sporting CP’s academy: Salvador Biopa.
The young wingback is already well known to the United head coach, having emerged during Amorim’s time in Portugal.
Biopa, who has been dubbed “the next Nuno Mendes,” is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in Europe.
At just 18 years old, he made headlines last season by breaking an 88-year-old Sporting club record, becoming the first player since 1937 to score twice on his senior debut. His ability to operate effectively on either flank only adds to his appeal.
Crucially, Biopa’s current contract is set to expire in the summer. Sporting are eager to tie him down to a new long-term deal, one that would reportedly include a massive €100 million release clause designed to ward off interest from elite clubs.
However, until that agreement is finalized, Manchester United remain alert to the possibility of swooping in.
If United can move quickly, they may have a rare opportunity to secure a hugely talented wingback potentially even on a free transfer.
For Amorim, it would represent both a tactical upgrade and a familiar face capable of fitting seamlessly into his system, while for the club, it could prove to be a shrewd and forward-thinking piece of business.
