Manchester United Have Set Their Sights On This Talented Winger: What Will He Bring To Old Trafford? | OneFootball

In a recent print edition, A Bola (31 May, Page 1 and 3) claimed that Manchester United have set their sights on Sporting CP winger Pedro Goncalves. It is understood that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to bring the Portuguese talent to Old Trafford in this summer transfer period.

Goncalves’ Good Record In Portuguese Football Last Season

Goncalves put in a run of impressive displays for the Portuguese club on the left flank in the previous campaign. The Portuguese winger made 20 appearances for Sporting last season, scoring six goals and picking up six assists in multiple competitions.

The 26-year-old gave a good account of himself in the final third and did well to average 3.93 shots per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. However, he has only kept 23.7% of his shots on target. Still, Goncalves has distributed possession relatively well in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 75.5% in league football (stats via fbref.com).

His current deal at Sporting will expire in the summer of 2027. Therefore, Man United would have to launch a convincing offer if they are serious about recruiting Goncalves this off-season.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 01: Pedro Goncalves of Sporting CP with Danilo Veiga of CF Estrela da Amadora in action during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 1, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

What Will Goncalves Bring To Manchester United?

Goncalves is a decent dribbler with the ball and has got the vision to orchestrate some promising chances for his teammates to find the back of the net. He can shoot the ball with power from long range but needs to work on keeping more of his attempts on target.

The Portuguese sensation deserves credit for adding some goals and assists to his game last season. He is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also function as a right-sided wide player or play as a box-to-box midfielder if needed.

We can expect Goncalves to bring more firepower to Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s attack. He has what it takes to fight for a regular starting spot at Old Trafford next season.

At 26, Goncalves has his peak years ahead of him which makes him a decent option for the Red Devils to consider this summer. However, he might need some time to adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League.