Bruno Fernandes has already explained why Manchester United should target Goncalo Inacio first, rather than Liverpool.

The Red Devils’ 3-2 comeback triumph over Aston Villa on Tuesday, seen by Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, has improved spirits at Old Trafford ahead of the January transfer window.

Despite the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% investment in Manchester United is unlikely to be sanctioned by the Premier League for another six to eight weeks, Erik ten Hag’s team would benefit from a busy January transfer window.

United may require center-back reinforcements, as Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane have all been unavailable at various points in recent months.

According to The Mirror, the club may wish to buy a central defender next month, with Sporting defender Inacio reportedly on a four-player shortlist.

However, the five-cap Portugal international, who reportedly has a £52 million release clause, has been linked with a move to Liverpool, according to Portuguese portal Jornal de Noticias (via Paisley Gates).

Due to injuries, Liverpool is currently lacking a healthy left-back. Joe Gomez, a natural center-back, is effectively the backup for both full-back positions while Andy Robertson recovers from a shoulder injury, leaving Virgil van Dijk exposed.

However, United captain Victor Fernandes is likely to urge United to pursue Inacio before their Premier League opponents.

When Inacio was making his debut for Sporting, the 29-year-old played alongside him. At the time, Fernandes compared the adolescent to experienced French center-back Jeremy Mathieu.

In December 2019, Fernandes said Record, “But there is another young centre-back that I really like.” I’ve already discussed him. He has a left foot. Gonçalo, Inácio.

“He’s a player who could learn a lot from Mathieu if he came to train with us one day.”

“We are talking about players with different builds, but their style of play is very similar.”