Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear the club will not resort to panic buying in the January transfer window, even as they lose key players to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Fixes
Ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Amorim emphasised that any business conducted this month will be with the future firmly in mind. The club has been hit by the departure of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui for the tournament in Ivory Coast, which runs from Sunday, January 14th until February 18th.
However, the Portuguese boss stated that filling those immediate gaps is not his strategy. "The only thing that we will try to bring now – and in the end of the season – are players that are perfect for our future," Amorim declared. "It's not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for Afcon. It’s not going to be like that."
A Potential Transfer Surprise
This stance raises questions about United's widely reported priority: a new defensive midfielder. Uncertainty surrounds the futures of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford, leading many to believe reinforcements in that area were essential.
Amorim, however, hinted the club's plans might diverge from expectations. "Even if we try to bring one player, maybe it's not the position that we need more," he revealed, adding, "So I don't know what is going to happen, but it's possible that we can do something."
One potential surprise target is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. United are understood to have an interest in the Ghana international and could attempt to beat rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham to his signature. Semenyo has a £60.5 million release clause active in January, which reduces to approximately £50 million in the summer.
Focus on Villa Amid Sancho Speculation
Amorim's immediate focus is on overcoming a Villa side that will not be able to field Jadon Sancho. The winger, on loan from United with Villa covering 80% of his £250,000-a-week wages, is ineligible to face his parent club. The 25-year-old's future remains a topic of speculation, but Amorim refused to be drawn. "Sancho is not our player in the moment... I have nothing to say about that," he stated.
The United boss also addressed the summer's goalkeeping saga, expressing contentment with the decision to sign young Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens instead of pursuing Villa's Emi Martinez. "I’m really happy with Senne," Amorim said, confirming his satisfaction with the current squad's goalkeeping options.
With his squad temporarily depleted, Amorim's challenge is to adapt. "We need to try to find different ways of playing, especially without Amad and Bryan," he admitted. "We lost some characteristics that are hard to find." His comments signal a disciplined January transfer approach at Old Trafford, where strategic planning is taking precedence over reactive spending.
