Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are gaining momentum following their first signing, but there’s still much to be resolved.
After completing the £62.5 million acquisition of Matheus Cunha, Ineos are already eyeing up further signings to strengthen the squad at Old Trafford.
Among the names under consideration are Bryan Mbeumo—subject to a £45 million bid—and Sporting CP’s striker Viktor Gyokeres, who fits the profile of the versatile, press-minded attacker Ruben Amorim wants.
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United have also tracked Hugo Ekitike and explored midfield and wing-back options as well.
Yet, as the window progresses, the field of available targets is tightening.
In recent weeks, Sporting winger Francisco Trincao appeared to be back on United’s radar.
The 25‑year‑old has the technical skill and pace to play as a No. 10 or wide forward, qualities that would bolster Amorim’s squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo is even rumoured to have personally encouraged a move to Manchester, recalling his own move from Sporting to Old Trafford back in 2003.
However, a new report from A Bola confirms United have suffered a significant setback: Trincao is reportedly set to sign a contract extension with Sporting, rewarding his importance to the team and putting an end to speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Sporting have valued him around the £30 million mark and have moved quickly to retain him, even in a window where they have already lost key players.
Alongside Francisco Trincao, Sporting are also moving to secure Pedro Goncalves long-term, essentially closing the door on any Manchester United interest.
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The 26‑year‑old midfielder looks set to sign a contract extension, emphasising his importance to the team ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
After missing five months due to injury, Goncalves still managed six goals and six assists in just 20 league appearances last season — ranking him among Sporting’s top scorers, just behind Gyokeres and Trincao.
Sporting’s sporting director sees both players as key to their on‑field ambitions and off‑field identity, hence accelerating negotiations to get both extensions finalised before the summer window properly opens.
This development removes an intriguing option from United’s shortlist.
With Trincao and Goncalves now set to be tied down, the focus will return to securing Mbeumo and Gyokeres—while keeping Ekitike as a viable alternative.
With the season looming and financial constraints in mind, United must be clear about their objectives: reinforce the attack, balance the books, and ensure depth across midfield and defence.
The Trincao and Goncalves news may sting, but it also sharpens their approach—expect a tidal shift in negotiations elsewhere as the window reaches its zenith.
