Man United missed out on Ruben Amorim favourite who now has 11 goal contributions this season
Manchester United may need to strengthen at wing-back in 2026 but that might not be the case if Ineos were able to land one of Ruben Amorim’s top targets.
When Ruben Amorim was appointed as head coach a year ago, he promised to not sign any Sporting players in his first few months out of respect for his former side.
Manchester United were naturally linked to several of Amorim’s league-winning players, including Viktor Gyokeres who ended up moving to Arsenal.
Reports claimed that Amorim wanted to reunite with Geovany Quenda at Old Trafford, but United missed out on a deal for the 18-year-old talent.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave Ruben Amorim his support
Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe in October 2025
Instead, Chelsea struck a £42m deal for Quenda, with the winger set to make the move to London in 2026.
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Geovany Quenda is in great form after failed Man Utd move
United had agreed personal terms with Quenda, but failed to finalise a deal before Chelsea swooped.
As time goes on, it may be a deal that Ineos look back on with regret, especially if you take a glance at Geovany Quenda’s form this season.
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Across all competitions, Quenda has already scored four goals and provided seven assists, including one goal and one assist in the Champions League.
Since Amorim’s departure, Quenda has been pushed forward into a more advanced winger role, although he has spent time as a wing-back and even as a left-back this season.
Quenda was a perfect wing-back for Amorim’s system, and he would have likely locked down the right flank at Old Trafford had he joined United.
Ruben Amorim has transformed Amad Diallo into Geovany Quenda’s role
At Sporting, Amorim coached Quenda (a natural winger) to play as a right wing-back in his system, and they enjoyed huge success together.
After missing out on a deal for Quenda at United, Amorim has repeated his trick with Amad Diallo at Carrington.
Recently, Amorim said Amad was ‘perfect’ as a wing-back for his system. He prefers wide players who can stretch play and create from the flanks as opposed to more naturally defensive players.
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Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have now struck up an impressive partnership on United’s right flank. In 2026, Amorim will be more focused on expanding his options on the left.
Diogo Dalot has struggled for form and Patrick Dorgu is still a very raw talent.
