Ruben Amorim claimed he wouldn't sign his former Sporting Lisbon players in January - and stuck to his word - but is now eyeing a raid on the Portuguese champions come the summer

Manchester United's top target is off the table. Now, Ruben Amorim must rethink his transfer plans. Who will he sign next?

Ruben Amorim kept his previous promise of not poaching stars from Sporting to strengthen Manchester United in the January transfer window despite his undeniable interest. However, the Red Devils boss is reportedly laying plans for a summer siege to capture some of his old stars.

And after his latest indifferent display against Leicester in the FA Cup, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has warned Amorim that he is hurting Mainoo by not letting him play consistently in his most natural position. ‘When he [Mainoo] first came into the Man United team, I thought he really did it at a breeze,’ he told talkSPORT.

Remarkably, United have only scored one first half goal since - a penalty from Bruno Fernandes in their 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion last month. It means the Reds have now failed to score a first half goal from open play in each of their last 15 matches.

Christian Eriksen has been told to leave Manchester United by Danish compatriot Peter Schmeichel after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. The 32-year playmaker is widely expected to depart once his contract expires at the end of the season amid no talk of an extension.

Manchester United are currently exploring the market to sign a new defender after the long term injured suffered by Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils have lost the defender until next season and they are considering their options ahead of the summer transfer window to sign a new defender.