Manchester United have been tipped to make a surprise swoop for Everton striker Beto this summer. The 27-year-old may not be the headline name on the club’s shortlist, but his raw physicality and work ethic have earned him a strong recommendation from an influential voice in his native Portugal.
Beto, who scored eight goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season, has caught the attention of Fernando Lopes, president of Portuguese club Uniao Tires—where the striker began his career. Lopes believes that Beto’s traits could suit the Premier League better than more technical strikers like Viktor Gyokeres, whom new United boss Ruben Amorim has worked with at Sporting CP.
Amorim has already added Matheus Cunha to his frontline and remains in the market for another attacker. While Gyokeres has long been linked, Lopes argues that the English top-flight’s physical demands might be too much for the Swede in a lone striker role, making Beto a more natural fit.
“Beto is a real headache for defenders,” said Lopes, stressing the forward’s ability to win physical duels and dominate aerially. “He’s got that old-school striker style – powerful, relentless, and fast when needed.”
Everton paid nearly £26m to sign Beto from Udinese in 2023, and he remains under contract at Goodison Park until 2027. While his goal tally may not have turned heads, his presence and pressing could bring something different to Amorim’s setup at Old Trafford.
United have lacked a traditional target man in recent seasons, often deploying quick, mobile forwards or false nines. In Beto, Amorim could find a wildcard option—one with the toughness and directness to thrive when service is right.
With the Red Devils aiming for a reset after a dismal 2024-25 campaign, a physically imposing striker like Beto could be the unexpected trump card to add steel and unpredictability to their front line.