Ruben Amorim wants new Cristiano Ronaldo! New Man Utd boss urges club to ‘build new scouting team’ in Portugal to find talented youngsters
Manchester United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the club’s scouting operations in Portugal. His objective is to identify and recruit emerging talents who could emulate the success of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom United famously signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
Amorim, who assumed his role at United in November 2024, has expressed concerns about the club’s diminishing presence in the Portuguese talent market. He believes that United’s scouting network in Portugal has declined, leading to missed opportunities to acquire top young players.
To address this, Amorim is pushing for the establishment of a new, dedicated scouting team in his homeland. His extensive experience in Portuguese football, including successful managerial stints at Sporting CP and Braga, provides him with valuable insights into the nation’s pool of emerging talent.
Historically, Manchester United has benefited from recruiting Portuguese players. The acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 stands out, as he developed into one of the world’s premier footballers during his time at Old Trafford. Other notable Portuguese signings include Nani, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot, who have made significant contributions to the team.
However, in recent years, United has missed out on several promising Portuguese talents. For instance, Bernardo Silva, who excelled at Monaco before joining Manchester City in 2017, and Pedro Neto, who impressed at Wolverhampton Wanderers before transferring to Chelsea, are players United had previously shown interest in but failed to sign.
Amorim is particularly keen on players from his former club, Sporting CP. One such talent is Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old wing-back who has garnered attention for his performances this season, recording two goals and three assists in 25 appearances. Another target is Benfica’s Antonio Silva, a 21-year-old defender who has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.
By revitalizing Manchester United’s scouting presence in Portugal, Amorim aims to ensure the club remains competitive in securing top-tier talent from the region. This strategic move is intended to replicate past successes and strengthen the squad with promising players who can make a significant impact in the Premier League.
