Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly ruled out any January transfer activity, insisting the club will stick to its long-term plan despite being hit by a significant injury crisis ahead of a crucial clash with rivals Leeds United.
Transfer Window Shut Before It Opens
Speaking ahead of Sunday's hostile trip to Elland Road, the Portuguese boss delivered a clear message about the winter market. "The transfer window is not going to change," Amorim stated firmly. "We have no conversations at this moment to have any change in the squad."
This marks a shift from his more ambiguous "we will see" comment just two weeks prior. Amorim emphasised a consistent process is in place, focusing on the existing group as they chase a Champions League spot. United currently sit sixth, just three points behind Liverpool in fourth, but Tuesday's disappointing 1-1 home draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers highlighted recent frustrations.
Injury Woes Mount for Leeds Derby
The commitment to the current squad will be severely tested this weekend, with United likely to be without eight players for the Yorkshire derby. Injuries have decimated the squad, compounding the absence of three players away at the Africa Cup of Nations: Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui.
The treatment room list is extensive, including skipper Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo. In defence, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have also been sidelined recently. "No different issues," Amorim reported on Friday. "We have one more training. I don't think that anyone is going to recover but we will see."
This may force the manager to again call upon academy players, as he has done in recent matches. The situation is far from ideal for a visit to an unbeaten Leeds side searching for their first home win against United since September 2002.
Handling the Elland Road Hostility
Amorim is under no illusions about the atmosphere awaiting his patched-up side at a rocking Elland Road, describing it as a "big derby, great environment." He referenced last season's Europa League semi-final in Bilbao as a similar experience of intense noise and pressure.
"They have to handle the atmosphere," he said of his players. "It's a game in a hostile environment but they need to be ready, and they need to experience that." He expressed confidence in his team's ability to cope, stating he would select a side prepared for the challenge and adapt tactically as the game unfolds.
Despite strong speculation linking United with moves for players like Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo—who now appears headed to Manchester City—and rumours of exits for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, Amorim insists the dressing room remains settled. When asked if any players had requested to leave, he replied, "No, none. I don't expect them to come to me to ask anything."
As the Premier League season enters its second half, Amorim's message is one of stability. With the January transfer window effectively closed at Old Trafford, his depleted squad must now navigate a pivotal period, starting with a fiery encounter against their old foes from Leeds.
