Manchester United scouts watch William Carvalho and Jao Mario
Old Trafford observers were at Sporting's clash with Moreirense as they prepare for midfield summer shake-up
MANCHESTER UNITED scouts were in attendance at Sporting Lisbon’s 1-0 victory over Moreirense, according to reports in Portugal.
The Red Devils were seemingly there to cast a watchful eye of Sporting duo William Carvalho and Joao Mario.
United are already planning for life next season as they try to recover from what has been a disappointing campaign so far.
Carvalho, 24, has been regularly observed my Old Trafford chiefs in recent years — while the central midfielder has also been a target for Premier League rivals, Arsenal.
However, 23-year-old Mario, who operates on the left wing, has only appeared on United’s radar in recent weeks after a stellar campaign with Sporting.
Jose Mourinho is still red-hot favourite to replace Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hotseat this summer.
And it is thought he would welcome a raid of the Portuguese giants’ hottest talents.
United have previous with Sporting.
In 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson parted with a bargain £12.5million to sign a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
And four summers later, went back to the Portuguese capital-side to bring Nani to Old Trafford.