The £43m player Man Utd could sign to replace Amad this summer

Manchester United have basked in the sun of false dawns before, but there is something that feels different this time around, with Michael Carrick creating a solid and united outfit.

This group of players are ready to fight for each other, and they did just that as they escaped from the misery of the Ruben Amorim era and clawed their way into the Champions League over the second half of last season.

There is a lot on the agenda for Man United as we draw ever closer to the 2026/27 season, but if Carrick and company do plan on continuing to level-up, they need to strengthen in attack.

Why Man United need to strengthen in attack

Arsenal and Manchester City were the only teams to outscore Manchester United in the Premier League, though, if we’re being critical: how much of the Red Devils’ success in attack came down to the brilliance of one Bruno Fernandes?

United lacked an out-and-out prime goalscorer, and while a striker remains among INEOS’s priorities this summer, more balance is needed across the frontline.

Marcus Rashford is returned, back from Barcelona. But while he will link up with the lads for pre-season, there are no guarantees that the England star will actually remain with Carrick’s brood for the upcoming campaign, or instead, if this is a ploy to drum up interest.

Attention has been fixed on the left flank, but persistent interest in Amad Diallo, who the Red Devils maintain is not for sale, could force the decision-makers to look at reinforcing their right side.

How Man United can upgrade on Amad

Much could change over the next month. Newcastle United are among the suitors lining up for Amad’s signature, and while he is a valuable and popular part of the Man United set-up, he’s not irreplaceable.

After all, Fussball Daten over in Germany have revealed that INEOS are already in close contact with representatives over a potential move for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao, who has been valued at €50m (£43m) by the Serie A side.

Liverpool also have a vested interest in the Portugal international, while RB Leipzig plan to submit an offer in the coming days. The player’s salary is not thought to be prohibitive in discussions to sign the player. Thus, personal terms should be no problem if negotiations continue in a positive fashion.

Conceicao was reared with Porto in his homeland, and he’s come into his own over the past two terms in Italy with Juventus, becoming an increasingly important piece. He is a technically proficient winger, endowed with pace and athleticism, but also stylish on the ball and smart in his decision-making.

In truth, there are interesting similarities between the two. Conceicao and Amad both need to work on their output in front of goal, but they are robust, physical and hard-working wingers, the kind that Carrick desires to charge his solid on-the-ball shape and swift attacking progressions.

Conceicao does get into far more goalscoring positions. He missed 11 big chances in the Italian top flight last season. With only three goals to his name, that’s nothing to write home about, but his prolific potential is undeniable, should he sort out his finishing.

Amad, conversely, struggles to find openings with great enough consistency, and still, like Conceicao, he finished his recent league campaign with a 4% conversion rate.

A lot to work on, but United could hit the jackpot on Conceicao, who is wanted by Liverpool and who is making headway. He has a banger in his locker, alright, and arguably more potential than United’s Ivorian star.

Conceicao won’t be at the top of Man United’s summer shortlist, but the close contacts kept between them and Juventus speak of a desire to pull this one off.

A versatile winger with prolific potential in front of goal, he could be a shrewd signing who might even come to prove a class above somone like Amad.