Manchester United have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with Michael Carrick’s side collecting just five points from their first five matches.
United have managed only one league victory so far, while defeats to Hull City and Manchester City and draws against Everton and Fulham have left them sitting 12th in the table.
With the club looking to improve their squad and address weaknesses during the season, attention could now turn towards strengthening the defence ahead of the January transfer window.
One player reportedly on United’s radar is a young Porto full-back who enjoyed an impressive first season in Portugal.
Manchester United Monitoring Alberto Costa
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Manchester United are among the clubs keeping a close watch on Porto right-back Alberto Costa.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 campaign, contributing nine assists and one goal as Porto lifted the Primeira Liga title. His performances were also recognised with a place in the league’s Team of the Season.
Costa only arrived at Porto from Juventus in July 2025, but quickly became a key member of the side. He made 47 appearances during his debut campaign and was reportedly the club’s fifth-most-used player across the season.
His rapid development has attracted interest from several leading European clubs. United and Arsenal are both believed to be monitoring his situation, while Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on the defender.
However, none of those clubs have made a formal offer at this stage, with their interest currently understood to be focused on scouting and assessing Costa’s progress.
A potential deal would not be straightforward. Porto paid Juventus €15m plus up to €1m in bonuses for the defender and handed him a contract running until June 2030.
The Portuguese champions have also protected their investment with a €65m release clause, meaning United would potentially have to spend heavily if they decide to pursue Costa.
Juventus also retained a 10% sell-on share of any profit Porto make from a future transfer.
For United, Costa’s attacking output could make him an appealing option as Carrick looks to build a stronger squad. His nine assists last season demonstrate that he can contribute going forward as well as provide an option defensively.
Whether United turn their current scouting interest into a concrete approach in January, however, remains to be seen.
