‎Ruben Amorim Explains Man United's January Transfer Stance as New Window Nears

‎Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has provided clarity on the club’s approach to the January transfer window, making it clear that no new arrivals will be sanctioned unless there is full alignment between himself and director of football Jason Wilcox. With the winter window set to open on New Year’s Day, United continue to be linked with several potential targets, particularly in midfield.

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‎Ruben Amorim outlines Manchester United’s January transfer approach, stressing shared agreement with Jason Wilcox and a long-term recruitment vision.

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‎Reports suggest the Red Devils have identified the No. 6 role as a priority area for reinforcement in January. According to The Guardian, Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are among the names under consideration.

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‎United previously explored signing a defensive midfielder during the summer window but pulled out of talks for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. The decision came after the club were discouraged by the player’s reported £100 million (€114m/$133m) valuation.

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‎Brighton owner Tony Bloom later confirmed United’s interest in Baleba, explaining in October that the club made an enquiry but were informed the midfielder was not available. Bloom highlighted Baleba’s rapid development and importance to Brighton, expressing satisfaction that the player remained with the club for the season.

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‎Attention has also turned to attacking options, with Amorim stating earlier in December that United could strengthen other areas if ideal long-term targets emerged. The BBC subsequently reported that United had shown interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo ahead of January.

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‎Despite that interest, United appear unlikely to secure Semenyo’s signature. The Ghana international has a £65 million (€74m/$87m) release clause active during the first two weeks of January, and reports indicate he is currently leaning toward a move to Manchester City.

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‎Squad depth has become an issue for United, with Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo absent due to international duty with Morocco, Ivory Coast and Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. Injuries have further depleted options, sidelining Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

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‎Speaking ahead of United’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Aston Villa on December 21, Amorim underlined the club’s long-term focus in the transfer market. He stressed that any additions would be made with the future in mind rather than as short-term fixes to address AFCON absences.

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‎Amorim acknowledged that even if a signing were pursued, it might not necessarily be in the area of greatest immediate need. He added that while something could happen in January, there was no certainty.

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‎Reinforcing the importance of a unified recruitment strategy, Amorim explained that disagreements can arise between himself, Wilcox and the board, but insisted no deal would be completed without mutual agreement. He emphasized the need for shared vision, noting that managers can change and recruitment decisions must remain sustainable beyond any single tenure.

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‎The United boss also highlighted the detailed evaluation process applied to potential signings, including assessments of lifestyle, training habits and playing characteristics. Reflecting on the summer window, Amorim said he believes the recruits can still offer more, pointing out that players such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have benefited from their familiarity with the Premier League, while young Ayden Heaven continues to develop.

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‎On the pitch, United are aiming to close out 2025 with a league victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League after failing to win any of their 18 matches this season and collecting just two points in the 2025-26 campaign.

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‎Amorim’s side are also seeking consecutive league wins following a 1-0 home success over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Denmark international Patrick Dorgu scored an impressive volley in that match, securing United’s first home league win since their 4-2 victory over Brighton in October.