Manchester United eyeing up possible move for Sporting CP teenager: Reports
Manchester United are eyeing a possible move for Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, as per a report in Manchester Evening News. Quenda, who is just 17, started against Sporting's ecstatic 4-1 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on November 5.
New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim had named Quenda in the matchday squad last November. However, it was in August 2024 when he was handed his debut for the club. Quenda has his contract at Sporting CP till 2027. Notably, he has already broken a record created by Cristiano Ronaldo. Last month, after scoring against Famalicao, he became Sporting's youngest goal-scorer in the Liga Portugal, thrashing the record previously held by Ronaldo.
Although Geovany Quenda was born in Guinea-Bissau, he represents the Portugal U-21 side, having registered two appearances so far for them. Manchester United have been tracking his progress for quite some time since the start of the season.
Since Ruben Amorim is all set to take charge at Manchester United, it is expected that the Portuguese boss will implement the 3-4-3 formation he uses at Sporting CP currently. Hence, the signing of Quenda can be influential in this system. United currently have wingers like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
However, Quenda, who has a top work ethic like Bukayo Saka, might be a favorite to start in this position if United ultimately sign him. The 17-year-old joined Sporting's academy at the age of 12, making the switch from fellow Portuguese club S.L.Benfica's academy.
This season, the teenager has already registered 17 appearances across the Liga Portugal, Allianz Cup, Taca de Portugal, Supertaca, and UEFA Champions League. Moreover, he has now become Sporting's youngest player to start in a Champions League fixture.
When will Ruben Amorim take charge at Manchester United?
Sporting CP will play their away game against Braga on November 10 and bid farewell to their head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager, who was previously part of an internship tour during Jose Mourinho's tenure at United, will commence his managerial duties on November 11.
He will receive a long international break during which he can assess the abilities of his players. Since he prefers a different formation to what United play currently, this period will help the Red Devils to get accustomed to Amorim's philosophy.
Ruben Amorim's first match in charge of United will be the away game against Ipswich Town on November 24 in the Premier League. The Red Devils are currently 13th in the league table and 21st in the UEFA Europa League.