Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a stark warning against making panic-driven signings in the upcoming January transfer window, despite the significant blow of losing captain Bruno Fernandes to injury.
Amorim's defiant stance on United's transfer strategy
The Portuguese midfielder was forced off at half-time during United's disappointing defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, casting a shadow over the club's immediate prospects. However, Amorim is adamant that this setback will not force a costly change in strategy.
Speaking to the media, the 40-year-old boss made it clear he would not be demanding emergency reinforcements from sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. Instead, he emphasised a commitment to the club's long-term recruitment plan, even if it means navigating a difficult period in the short term.
No repeat of past mistakes, says United boss
“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,” Amorim stated. “I’m not going to get [together] with Jason and Omar and say: ‘We need a lot of players.’ Because we have a plan.”
He added, “If we have to suffer, the club comes first. Of course, we are in a moment where we need points but we need to find solutions and we are going to continue with our plan. You can feel in this moment that we are going to struggle, but we will see. We have to deal with it.”
Midfield targets and Semenyo speculation
United's need in central midfield has been apparent since the summer, when a move for Brighton's Carlos Baleba failed to materialise. The club have since been linked with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson.
However, the most prominent name connected with a move to Old Trafford is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has a £65million release clause and is also reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
Amorim's recent comments suggest any January business would be strategic rather than reactive. He previously indicated the club might have some financial backing, but stressed any signing must be for the future, not merely to cover for players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We'll see,” Amorim said. “The only thing we know is that we only would try to bring players that we think are going to be the future. It's not going to be to save something in this moment... We will try to bring now – and in the end of the season – players that are perfect for our future.”
This firm stance from Amorim represents a clear shift in philosophy, aiming to avoid the expensive missteps that have plagued United in previous transfer windows. The coming weeks will test the club's resolve as they cope without their influential captain Bruno Fernandes.
