Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened the door to potential January signings, insisting any new arrivals must be for the long-term future of the club rather than a short-term fix.
Amorim's Transfer Philosophy and January Funds
The Portuguese coach, speaking ahead of United's festive fixture against Aston Villa, confirmed that the club is assessing the market. Amorim stated he would only pursue players who are "perfect for our future," explicitly ruling out panic buys to cover for the upcoming absence of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui during the Africa Cup of Nations.
"We'll see," Amorim said when questioned about available funds. "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." He added that while activity is possible, any signing may not necessarily address the most immediate positional need.
Top Target: Antoine Semenyo's £65m Clause
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo appears to be a primary objective, with his £65million release clause becoming active in January. Despite reported interest from Liverpool, the Ghana international is known to have held talks with Amorim last summer.
Intriguingly, the United boss is reportedly considering deploying the versatile Semenyo as an attacking wing-back should a deal be completed. This could lead to a dynamic flank partnership with Amad upon his return from international duty, supporting a back three in Amorim's preferred system.
Midfield Reinforcements: Neves and Adams in Frame
Strengthening the centre of midfield is also a key priority for the Old Trafford hierarchy. According to reports, former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, currently at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, is a viable option for around £20million. The 28-year-old Portuguese international would bring significant experience but could command wages in the region of £350,000 per week.
United are also credited with an interest in two other Premier League midfielders. Chelsea's Conor Gallagher is viewed as an alternative, while Bournemouth's tenacious American, Tyler Adams, is another name on the radar. Adams is currently sidelined with an injury, and any further midfield additions could precipitate departures from the current squad.
Potential Manchester United Lineup Post-January
Should United secure their key targets, Amorim could field a significantly new-look side in the second half of the season. The potential lineup integrates summer signings with winter arrivals.
The defence could feature Senne Lammens in goal, shielded by a back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez. Martinez's superior passing ability might give him the nod over Luke Shaw for a central role.
In the wing-back positions, Amad and the new signing Semenyo could offer relentless attacking width. The midfield trio might then consist of a new anchor like Ruben Neves, flanked by captain Bruno Fernandes and one of the existing options.
The front three is likely set after the summer's major business, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha operating in support of central striker Benjamin Sesko, aiming to keep Mason Mount out of the starting eleven.
A possible United XI could be: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez; Amad, Neves, Fernandes, Semenyo; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.
With United potentially sitting fifth at Christmas, strategic January investment could provide the boost needed to solidify a top-four challenge under Ruben Amorim's evolving project.
