Manchester United are currently 13th in the Premier League with only 12 points on the board.
The Red Devils are six points adrift of the top four, but a long winning run could put them back in contention for Champions League football next term.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been in temporary charge after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, but Ruben Amorim will take control as the new manager from November 11.
The Portuguese has already acknowledged that he won’t be making big-money signings in January, and a spending spree could be delayed until the summer.
Sky Sport journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now revealed that stabilising the defence is Amorim’s priority, and he has identified Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio as a top summer target.
The 39-year-old could also bring in other Sporting CP players to Old Trafford, including Ousmane Diomande, who was on the club’s radar in the last transfer window.
Inacio would be a quality signing for United
The 23-year-old was previously linked with United when they were eyeing a left-footed centre-back. They eventually signed Lisandro Martinez.
This has not ended the speculation, and the club could make a genuine effort to sign him next summer as they shake up their defensive options.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans could all leave at the end of the season, which could pave the way for a couple of additions to the backline.
Inacio, who has a release clause worth £50 million in his contract, would be a fine acquisition.
The Portuguese is a strong ball-playing centre-back. He has a passing accuracy of 91 percent in the Primeira Liga and has won over 60% of his aerial duels this season.
He could be seen as an ideal competitor to Martinez. With Amorim preferring to play three at the back, Inacio could fit into any of those positions when required.
Diomande would be an equally good signing if Amorim wants another right-footed central defender.
The Ivorian had a dip in form earlier this year but has made a superb start to this season.
He has completed 95% of his passes and won almost 70% of his aerial challenges.
The 20-year-old, who has a £67m release clause in his contract, has been on the radar of several English clubs, but United could have the edge with Amorim in charge.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
