Manchester United are entering the 2026/27 season with renewed purpose under Michael Carrick, who has transformed the club into a cohesive and competitive unit.
The Red Devils clawed their way into the Champions League over the second half of last season, escaping the turbulence of the Ruben Amorim era with a remarkable run of form.
Despite that progress, questions remain over the depth and balance of United’s attacking options heading into the new campaign.
Arsenal and Manchester City were the only Premier League sides to outscore Manchester United last season, yet much of that output depended heavily on Bruno Fernandes.
Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo both scored 11 Premier League goals, while Matheus Cunha added 10, but United still lack a genuine, prolific frontline presence.
INEOS have identified striking reinforcements as a priority, though the wide areas also demand attention as pressure mounts around the future of Amad Diallo.
Newcastle United are among the clubs pursuing Amad’s signature, and while United insist he is not for sale, the situation could force their hand in the transfer market.
According to Fussball Daten in Germany, INEOS are already in close contact with representatives over a potential move for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, valued at €50m (£43m) by the Serie A club.
Liverpool also hold a strong interest in the Portugal international, while RB Leipzig are reportedly preparing to submit a formal offer in the coming days.
Personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle, with the player’s salary considered manageable for any of the clubs circling his signature.
Conceicao developed through Porto before establishing himself as an increasingly important figure across two seasons with Juventus in Italy.
He is a technically gifted winger with pace, athleticism, and sharp decision-making, drawing natural comparisons to Amad in both profile and playing style.
The statistics from last season underline just how closely matched the two wingers are across key metrics, including passing accuracy, key passes, and duel success rates.
Conceicao produced 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes at a 53% success rate, compared to Amad’s 1.2 at 49%, giving him a slight edge in carrying the ball forward.
His goalscoring record remains a concern, however, as he missed 11 big chances in Serie A last season and finished with just three goals to his name.
Amad, by comparison, scored only twice in the league, and both players ended the season sharing an identical 4% conversion rate in front of goal.
Despite those finishing struggles, Conceicao gets into far more dangerous positions, and his prolific potential is considered undeniable if he can sharpen his finishing.
Carrick values robust, hard-working wide players who can support the team’s structured build-up play and drive forward transitions quickly, which Conceicao fits well.
Manchester United’s close and ongoing contact with Juventus signals a genuine desire to get this deal over the line before the transfer window closes.
A versatile and dynamic winger with upside in front of goal, Conceicao could prove a smart and significant addition to Carrick’s evolving squad this summer.