Ruben Amorim's three targets if he'd landed Liverpool job all on Man Utd's radar too

Ruben Amorim is favourite to become Manchester United’s next manager, mere months after he nearly took the reins at Liverpool. Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, United are keen to appoint a successor right away and could even announce a new head coach ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford at the weekend.

First on the manager’s do list will be steadying the wobbling ship, especially with the club treading water just four places above the relegation zone. After that, a little squad re-building might be in order, particularly with the January transfer window just around the corner.

According to Portuguese outlet JN, Amorim, 39, identified three players he wanted to sign while in talks with Liverpool – and as fate would have it, all three are on United’s transfer watchlist.

Goncalo Inacio

First up is Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio, who has blossomed into one of Europe’s finest young defenders over the past couple of seasons. As a left-footer, he’d be an ideal alternative to Jarrad Branthwaite, particularly with Everton digging their heels in over the Englishman’s asking price.

Granted, United ended up signing two centre-backs, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, in the summer, but given the former’s injury woes, and the latter’s hit-and-miss start at Old Trafford, signing another centre-back wouldn’t be totally out of the question.

Inacio, 23, who emerged from Sporting’s academy in 2020, has been a mainstay in the side more or less ever since. He’s also muscled his way into Portugal’s starting XI, which is saying something given the abundance of talent in Roberto Martinez’s squad.

Ousmane Diomande

From one Sporting defender to another, Inacio’s centre-back partner Ousmane Diomande has been seriously turning heads across Europe. The 20-year-old Ivorian is physically imposing, fast, and excellent on the ball – everything you’d want in a modern defender.

United considered him over the summer, but plumped for Yoro instead. With the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea sniffing around, a move to Old Trafford looks unlikely, but with Amorim potentially leading a charm offensive, anything’s possible.

Diomande signed for Sporting in 2023 from Danish club Midtjylland following an impressive loan spell at Portuguese outfit Mafra. Amorim’s side nabbed him for just £6million, and with a £67m release clause reportedly in his contract, they stand to make a hefty profit if the defender leaves.

Morten Hjulmand

Lastly, and arguably the most realistic of possible targets, is Morten Hjulmand. The Sporting midfielder, 25, has been earning rave reviews as the side’s all-encompassing, high-energy, box-to-box dynamo.

The Denmark international was brought in from Lecce as a replacement for Manuel Ugarte, who is now at United, when the Uruguayan left for PSG in 2023. Within months Amorim was waxing lyrical about him, and even declared him a more complete player than both Ugarte and ex-Sporting ace Joao Palhinha, now at Bayern Munich.

After being named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year earlier this year, he was appointed Sporting captain following Sebastian Coates’ departure. United have been lacking a little substance and vigour in the middle of the park recently, and Hjulmand could be just what the doctor ordered, particularly if Amorim does indeed get the nod.

But of course, nothing is confirmed yet. While it’s understood United are currently negotiating Amorim’s release clause, which reportedly stands at £8.3m, there are whispers the Portuguese coach might decide to stay if he gets the impression the Manchester City job could be up for grabs in the summer – particularly with Pep Guardiola entering the final six months of his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Should negotiations break down, it’s understood the Red Devils will consider moves for the likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank, former Barcelona manager Xavi, and Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi.