Man United are seemingly the frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon defender, Nuno Mendes.
The connection between Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon runs deep. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Bruno Fernandes, with a little Luis Nani sprinkled in for good measure.
It seems as though United are once again looking to the Primeira Liga outfit for another potential signing. This time, it’s emerging left-back Nuno Mendes.
The claim comes from Record (Sunday print edition), with the translation coming via Sport Witness. They state that both Manchester clubs were interested in Mendes, though City have now backed off.
Record name United as a ‘clear suitor’ to sign the 19-year-old, despite left-back being a position where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is incredibly well-stocked.
The Reds obviously have both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in that position, both of whom played at a high level in the 2020/21 campaign.
Even if Telles were to depart from Old Trafford, which does look highly unlikely, Mendes wouldn’t be guaranteed regular starts. With Sporting after around €50m to sanction Mendes’ sale, would United really spend that much on someone who’d likely start less than 20 games across the season? I’d doubt it.
Perhaps Sporting can play on the connection between Mendes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, whom the Reds have an excellent relationship with following the Bruno Fernandes deal.
That said, I don’t think this is enough to tempt United into signing Mendes, who, has the potential to become an excellent player in his own right. As of this moment, though, the fit just doesn’t feel correct for the Reds, who could use that sort of money signing a top-class centre-half or defensive midfielder instead.
Put a pin in this one. For now at least…
Would a Man United move for Nuno Mendes make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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