Ruben Amorim pushes Manchester United to pursue Zeno Debast in January

Red Devils target Sporting defender as defensive issues persist after poor season start.

United’s struggles spark transfer urgency

Manchester United’s disappointing start to the season has fueled impatience among fans, with defensive fragility once again under the spotlight. Coach Ruben Amorim, seeking to strengthen the squad, has placed Zeno Debast among his top targets for the January transfer window.

According to CaughtOffside, the 20-year-old defender, who previously worked with Amorim at Sporting, has become a priority name on the Portuguese manager’s list.

Sporting sets high price tag

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a proposal of around €40 million to secure Debast. However, Sporting are demanding €80 million to open negotiations — double what the English side is willing to pay at this stage.

The Portuguese club is under no financial pressure to sell and intends to maximize value if a deal is to happen. For United, that means any agreement will require a significant outlay.

Early stages of talks

So far, United’s board has not made direct contact with Sporting, but Amorim’s insistence could accelerate discussions in the coming weeks. With the January window approaching, the situation may evolve quickly as the club seeks solutions for its backline.