Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has insisted the club will not be rushed into panic signings in the January transfer market, despite facing a significant midfield injury crisis following a fresh blow to captain Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim's Firm Stance on Transfer Strategy
The issue arose after Fernandes sustained a soft tissue injury during United's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on Monday. The Portuguese playmaker was forced off at half-time following a challenge from Villa's Amadou Onana. Amorim confirmed the severity, stating, "It is really strange. It's a soft tissue, I think he's going to lose some games... I think it's going to be a while."
With young star Kobbie Mainoo also likely to miss the upcoming Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United, the Red Devils ended their loss to Villa with youngster Jack Fletcher and defender Lisandro Martinez deployed in midfield. Despite this shortage, Amorim is adamant the club must avoid past mistakes in the market.
Long-Term Targets Over Short-Term Fixes
Amorim emphasised that Fernandes' absence cannot become an excuse for poor planning. He outlined a disciplined approach, declaring the club has a clear strategy that will not be derailed. "What we cannot do is to reach January and try to do everything in urgency and make mistakes and then [it's] 'here we go again' with a lot of mistakes," the manager said.
He confirmed he would not be demanding a raft of new signings from football director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. "Because we have a plan. If we have to suffer, the club comes first," Amorim added, acknowledging the immediate need for points but stressing the importance of internal solutions.
United's known midfield interests remain focused on long-term prospects. The club held an interest in Brighton's Carlos Baleba during the summer, while Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson are also understood to be on their radar. However, any moves for these players are viewed as part of a structured plan, not a reactive measure to the current injury situation.
Finding Solutions Amidst the Crisis
The injury to Fernandes is a rare occurrence, with the midfielder having missed only two games through injury in his entire Manchester United career prior to this setback. His durability makes his absence all the more keenly felt.
Looking ahead to the Newcastle match, Amorim struck a defiant tone. "I think Kobbie might be out, Bruno is out, so we will see, we are going to find solutions, no excuses, we need to win the next game and we will try to win the next game," he stated. The message from Old Trafford is clear: the January transfer window will be navigated with caution and strategic intent, not desperation, even as the team navigates a challenging period without their captain and key creator.
