‎Ruben Amorim Explains Manchester United's January Transfer Approach and Key Targets

‎Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has offered clarity on the club’s thinking ahead of the January transfer window, underlining that no new arrivals will be sanctioned unless there is full agreement between himself and director of football Jason Wilcox. Despite ongoing speculation linking the Red Devils with several potential reinforcements, Amorim insists alignment at decision-making level is essential before any deal is completed.

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‎Ruben Amorim outlines Manchester United’s cautious January transfer strategy, stressing long-term planning and joint approval with Jason Wilcox.

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‎With the winter window set to open on New Year’s Day, United continue to be associated with multiple players, particularly in midfield. Reports suggest strengthening the centre of the pitch remains a priority as the club evaluates options capable of raising the squad’s overall quality.

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‎According to The Guardian, Manchester United are believed to be targeting a new defensive midfielder in January. Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams are all said to be on the club’s shortlist as they assess possible additions.

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‎The 20-time English champions were keen to secure a specialist No. 6 during the summer transfer window but stepped away from negotiations for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. United were reportedly discouraged by the player’s valuation, believed to be around £100 million (€114m/$133m).

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‎Brighton owner Tony Bloom later confirmed United’s interest, explaining in October that the club had made enquiries before being told Baleba was not for sale. Bloom praised the midfielder’s development, describing him as a hugely important figure for Brighton and expressing satisfaction that he remained with the club for the season.

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‎Elsewhere, United have also been linked with attacking reinforcements. Earlier in December, Amorim suggested the club could strengthen in other areas if the right long-term profiles became available. The BBC subsequently reported that United were keen on signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during the January window.

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‎However, that move now appears unlikely. The same report indicated that Semenyo, who has a £65 million (€74m/$87m) release clause active during the first two weeks of January, is leaning towards a move to Manchester City instead.

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‎United are currently dealing with a shortage of available players. Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are away on international duty with Morocco, Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations. At the same time, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sidelined through injury.

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‎Despite those absences, Amorim has reiterated that short-term fixes will not dictate recruitment decisions. Speaking ahead of United’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa on 21 December, he stressed that any incoming players must align with the club’s long-term vision rather than simply covering temporary gaps.

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‎Amorim added that even if United do enter the market, the player signed may not necessarily fill the position most affected by current losses. He acknowledged uncertainty over what might happen in January but did not rule out limited activity if the right opportunity arises.

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‎The Portuguese coach has also emphasised the importance of collaboration with Jason Wilcox when it comes to transfers. Ahead of United’s home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Amorim explained that differences of opinion can arise, but no signing will be made unless all parties reach a shared conclusion.

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‎He noted that while managers may change over time, the club’s structure must remain consistent. Amorim highlighted the need to balance the manager’s tactical understanding with broader planning, adding that extensive assessments are carried out on potential signings, including their lifestyle, training habits and playing characteristics.

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‎Reflecting on United’s summer recruitment, Amorim suggested the new arrivals still have more to offer. He pointed to players such as Matheus Cunha, as well as younger talents like Ayden Heaven, while noting that signings familiar with the Premier League, including Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, often adapt more quickly.

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‎On the pitch, Manchester United are aiming to finish the year strongly with a league victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League table, having failed to win any of their 18 matches this season and collecting just two points in the 2025-26 campaign.

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‎United, meanwhile, are chasing consecutive league wins after edging Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. Denmark international Patrick Dorgu scored an outstanding volley in that match, securing United’s first home league win since their 4-2 success against Brighton in October.