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Not content with taking their successful manager, Manchester United could return to Sporting Lisbon to poach their record-breaking youngster Dario Essugo.
When Amorim handed the then-16-year-old midfielder his debut from the bench against Vitoria de Guimaraes in 2021, he became Sporting’s youngest-ever debutant.
And according to Spanish publication Marca, the “midfielder of the future” – now aged 19 – could be set for a reunion with the man who put so much faith in him.
Essugo is currently on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, where he is the “master and owner” of the team’s midfield.
His formidable performances have reportedly given countless scouts reason to visit Estadio Gran Canaria, and in particular Marca note that “there is no Premier League team that has not gone to see Essugo play this season”.
Closer to his temporary home, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are credited with a strong interest in him.
Marca state that he has a €60m release clause in his Sporting contract, which runs until summer 2027.
As per sofascore, Essugo is an active presence in front of the defence with an impressive average of 2.4 interceptions and 2.5 tackles per game.
For comparison, Casemiro has recorded 0.5 interceptions and 3.1 tackles, and Manuel Ugarte 0.7 interceptions and 2.8 tackles.
Since their partial takeover of United, INEOS seem hell-bent on bringing the stars of tomorrow on board, having added hot prospects like Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone to the club’s ranks.
They are building gametime and experience in the youth side but are seriously tipped to break into the first team in due course, with Amorim a devout fan of developing young talent.
INEOS show no signs of slowing down the youth recruitment, with links to the likes of Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Sverre Nypan of Rosenborg refusing to go away.
Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images