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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s search for a new defender appears to have brought him back to Sporting.
The Portuguese has implemented a back three since taking charge at the Theater of Dreams last November.
With the Red Devils having a squad better suited to a four-man backline, Amorim was expected to invest in a new defender, but that has not happened so far.
While the Premier League giants have adapted well to the system change, a new centre-back is reportedly on the club’s agenda for 2026.
Amorim watched the meeting
United are sweating over the future of Harry Maguire, whose contract expires at the end of the season. With the Englishman turning 33 in March next year, his long-term future at Old Trafford is at stake.
The Red Devils are exploring the market for options, and a recent report from The Peoples Person claims that Amorim is ready to raid his former club for Ousmane Diomande.
The Ivorian was brought to the Estadio Jose Alvalade by the Portuguese in 2023 when he was in charge of Sporting. Diomande was outstanding for the Primeira Liga club in his debut season, helping them win the league.
Although he missed several games this season due to a muscle injury, the player remains a key figure under Rui Borges.
Ousmane Diomande Statistics: 2025/26 season
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese League | 4 | – | – | 1 | – | 328′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 2 | – | – | – | – | 100′ |
| Portuguese Cup | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | 90′ |
| Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | 69′ |
| Total | 8 | – | – | 3 | – | 587′ |
Source: Transfer market
The 21-year-old is a physical defender who can dominate the opposition, but is also handy with the ball at his feet. His previous playing experience under Amorim could also help him establish himself quickly at Old Trafford, while also fitting into the age profile that INEOS has been targeting of late.
It is believed that United are already planning to make a move for Diomande in January. However, it will not be easy to get the Ivorian away from Sporting halfway through the season.
Sporty planning Diomande renewal
According to To the ballSporting have no interest in letting Diomande leave this winter and are now working to tie him to a new contract.
The Ivorian reportedly has an €80 million buyout clause in his contract, but the Portuguese club have no plans to increase this. Instead, their only goal is to prevent the player from leaving in the middle of the season.
The report adds that Crystal Palace have identified Diomande as the ideal replacement for Marc Guehi, who is out of contract at the end of the season. The Eagles failed with a €55 million bid for the Ivorian defender this summer and could return for him in 2026.
United, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on developments at the Estadio Jose Alvalade as they prepare succession plans for their backline.
Final thoughts
The Peoples Person recently published a report stating that the Red Devils are also eyeing a Bosman deal for Guehi this summer.
As such, 2026 could be a year of defensive merry-go-round, with the domino effect likely to impact multiple clubs. However, there is no doubt that Amorim may need to consider a new centre-back, with Luke Shaw also on the wrong side of 30 and Lisandro Martinez struggling with injuries.
With Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven also in the squad, Diomande’s potential arrival could sort out United’s defense for the next decade.
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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