In a dramatic twist to Manchester United’s summer recruitment plans, Sporting CP head coach Rúben Amorim has dropped 20-year-old winger Marcus Santos from first-team training after discovering the club’s hefty asking price for the young Brazilian talent. United’s interest in the pacey wide-man has been well-documented in recent weeks, but Amorim’s harsh response suggests Sporting has no intention of letting Santos leave on the cheap.
Background: United’s Longstanding Interest
Marcus Santos, who broke into Sporting’s senior squad last season and contributed three goals and four assists in 28 appearances, has been on Manchester United’s radar since his standout displays in the UEFA Youth League two years ago. Sources in Lisbon tell us that United’s recruitment staff identified Santos as a potential understudy to Marcus Rashford on the left flank, and informal talks between intermediaries and Sporting were quietly underway.
The Asking-Price Revelation
According to Portuguese daily A Bola, Sporting sporting director Hugo Viana set a €60 million release clause on Santos last summer and informed interested parties that the club would not entertain negotiations below that figure. United reportedly explored a €40 million-plus add-ons package, believing a structured deal might entice Sporting. But when Amorim learned of both the bid’s size and the public chatter—allegedly leaked by the player’s camp—he took immediate action.
Amorim’s Punishment: Demotion to U23s
Sporting sources confirm that on Monday morning Amorim informed Santos that he would train exclusively with the U23 squad until further notice. The coach, known for his disciplinarian approach and emphasis on team unity, berated Santos for allowing transfer speculation to disrupt the first-team environment. An insider at the training complex said: “Rúben feels the player must learn a lesson: don’t let outside noise interfere with Sporting’s project.”
Sporting’s Position: Standing Firm on Valuation
Sporting president Frederico Varandas later released a statement reinforcing the club’s stance. “Sporting views Marcus Santos as a cornerstone of our long-term rebuild. His valuation reflects both his ability and our ambition. Any club wishing to secure his services must meet our clear terms.” The club also hinted at potential contract renewal talks that would increase Santos’s release clause further, effectively pricing him out of any summer move.
Manchester United’s Next Steps
United’s sporting director John Murtough is now weighing up alternatives. With the transfer window closing in six weeks, United must decide whether to trigger the €60 million clause, pursue an alternate wide-man, or rejoin negotiations for a lower-profile target. Inside Old Trafford, sources describe “frustration” that Sporting has drawn a line in the sand so forcefully, but there is also confidence that the Red Devils may simply pay the price if Santos remains their priority.
What’s Next for Marcus Santos?
Meanwhile, Santos is training with Sporting’s U23s at Alcochete, working under coach Miguel Leal. Club insiders report he remains professional in sessions but is “desperate” to return to the senior fold. Sporting fans on social media are divided—some applaud Amorim’s firm stance, others worry the episode could stunt the development of one of Portugal’s brightest Brazilian exports.
With United exploring Plan B options—including Lille’s Yusuf Yazıcı and PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo—Santos’s future hangs in the balance. One thing is clear: unless Manchester United is prepared to meet Sporting CP’s valuation in full, the winger may spend the season proving himself at youth level rather than shining at Old Trafford.
