Ruben Amorim has hinted at a swoop for Sporting star Pedro Goncalves at the end of the current Premier League season.

The Portuguese coach will officially take over from Erik ten Hag on Monday after he takes charge of his final Sporting game against Braga, with his first United test coming at Ipswich on November 24.

However, he is adamant that his new club will not raid his old one for top talent in the new year, although he's hinted that a swoop for midfielder Goncalves could be on the cards by the time next summer rolls around.

Speaking on Saturday, when asked if he would take any Sporting stars with him to Old Trafford in January, Amorim told reporters: "I won't in January, that's what I said. I don't know about the summer.

"The first point – to hold on until the summer. Sporting's players are very good players. I don't know. We'll see."

Goncalves has played a key role in Amorim's system in Lisbon and was integral to them winning the league twice under 39-year-old Amorim.

And, when asked specifically about a potential move for the 26-year-old when he takes the United reins, Amorim admitted: "He can play in any team in the world and with any player, because he is a great player.

"I could take him anywhere. He is very funny, which improves the personal relationship. He is also very intelligent, but he also has to focus on Sporting because we have to be champions this year. But he could play in any team in the world."