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Manchester United have a longstanding link with Sporting Lisbon, with Ruben Amorim being the most recent to join the Red Devils from the Portuguese club.
Over the years, some impressive talents like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Even United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes is a former Sporting player.
Now, with Amorim’s appointment, links with Sporting are stronger than ever, despite him bringing a whole host of his backroom staff to Manchester.
Before leaving Portugal, Amorim swore against a January raid for Sporting players, commenting: “I will not sign any Sporting player at Man United in January… then, what happens in the summer I don’t know”.
However, United need to consider this position if they hope beat Manchester City to one of their top targets.
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The Citizens are reportedly looking at a raid of Sporting for one of the Portuguese clubs most exciting defenders.
Manchester City look to beat United for Ousmane Diomande
Ousmane Diomande has had a brilliant rise to fame at Sporting.
Arriving in 2023 from FC Midtjylland, his academy side, Diomande instantly fought for a slot in the first-squad, establishing himself very quickly.
At only 20 years old, Diomande has made 69 appearances for Sporting, helping out with four goals and an assist.
The centre-back was key to Sporting’s 2023/24 Liga Portugal winning campaign and has also gone on to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast this year.
Sky Sports have reported Manchester City’s interest in the star, with The Citizens tracking him since his time with FC Midtjylland.
However, Amorim has reportedly already spoken with Diomande so that City’s interest doesn’t go unmatched.
It’s clear that sticking with Amorim, who has already helped his development incredibly, would be a massive benefit to the young defender.
The report explains that with this in mind, Diomande is swaying more towards United, however the race feels like it’s only just begun.
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