Manchester United’s interest in Juventus star Francisco Conceicao is reportedly being driven primarily by one influential figure at Old Trafford, according to a new report from Italy.
Wing Wizard
Conceicao is a versatile winger, capable of playing on either flank and possessing outstanding technical ability. He is only 5’5″ tall, but has excellent acceleration and quick feet.
The 23-year-old Portugal international was named as part of Roberto Martinez’s squad for the World Cup, making four appearances for his country at the tournament in North America.
Having come through Porto’s academy, Juventus signed the Coimbra native in 2024, initially on loan, with a £26 million buy option that the Old Lady triggered the following summer. While Conceicao’s record in Turin does not jump off the page – 11 goals and 11 assists in 82 appearances – there is belief he has the potential to develop even further after a strong end to last season.
One Serie A analyst contends he has the skillset to “evolv[e] into one of the very best right wingers in football”, even if the current iteration requires finetuning. The list of suitors who have expressed interest this summer justifies this assessment.
Manchester United are joined by Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in their admiration, while RB Leipzig have identified Juventus’ No.7 as their leading target to replace Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United were in “close contact” with Conceicao’s camp, with his wage demands not thought to be an obstacle to a switch to Old Trafford.
Carrick at the wheel
Italian outlet Tutto Juve have now expanded on the Red Devils’ interest further, claiming Michael Carrick is the driving force behind it. The report states Conceicao is one of the “key targets” in attack, with the 45-year-old coach said to be a “great admirer” of the Portuguese.
“Manchester United consider Conceição to be the perfect fit for their project. Manager Michael Carrick particularly appreciates his ability to beat players, create goalscoring opportunities, and play on both flanks,” the report states.
“The Portuguese’s profile is considered ideal for increasing unpredictability and quality in one-on-one situations, qualities highly sought after in the Premier League.” Juventus are understood to be asking for a fee in the region of £43 million to part ways with their winger, as manager Luciano Spalletti considers him an integral part of his squad.
This fee would be significantly cheaper than the leading targets on United’s list heading into the summer window, such as Diomande or Morgan Rogers. However, an undersized winger whose favoured position is on the right-hand side does not feel like the ideal candidate at Old Trafford, given the presence of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.
Furthermore, INEOS have sought to implement a collaborative structure for transfers, which includes both the recruitment department and the analytics team alongside the head coach’s wants and needs. The idea that Carrick is solely directing a pursuit of Conceicao also feels unlikely.
Final Thoughts: The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 4/10
Why?
Independently backed up by other Italian outlets.
The player fits Manchester United’s needs, even if there is a preference for Premier League proven players.
An unreliable source for Old Trafford specific news.
The head coach being a driving influence in recruitment is a model INEOS have tried to move away.
No reports of talks or offers so far.
TPP view: Man United’s interest in a cost-effective winger makes sense, but another import from Serie A being demanded by Carrick is an unlikely reason to make Conceicao that target.
Featured image Paulo Bruno via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
