Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has tempered expectations for winter signings, despite the club's current struggles in the Premier League and a recent 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Amorim emphasized a long-term vision, prioritizing strategic, future-oriented acquisitions over short-term fixes in the January transfer window.
"What we cannot do is reach January and try to do everything with urgency and make mistakes again and be left saying 'here we go again'," Amorim stated, highlighting the need for careful planning. He stressed the importance of avoiding past errors of hasty and unproductive moves.
The Red Devils are currently facing challenges with several players unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo. Key players like Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also sidelined with injuries, and Bruno Fernandes sustained a hamstring injury during the match against Aston Villa. Amorim acknowledges the team's need for points but insists the club's long-term plan comes first.
Amorim has stated that any potential January signings would be players considered vital for the club's future, not just temporary solutions to compensate for current absences. "We will only try to bring players that we think are going to be the future," Amorim said. "No signings to cope with the losses of the AFCON… we will try to bring now and in July players that are perfect for our future. Long-term signings". He has also suggested the team may change to a four-man defense due to the absences.
Manchester United's recruitment strategy is to target players for the future and not to make panic buys. Several players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Wolves' Joao Gomes, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.
Amidst United's struggles, Amorim made the decision to limit the club's winter transfer window signings to Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Several high-profile players, including Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, have left on loan.
Furthermore, Amorim is reportedly trying to block Kobbie Mainoo from leaving Old Trafford, despite interest from other clubs. Amorim sees Mainoo as a valuable asset, even with his limited playing time, and is reluctant to weaken squad depth, especially with AFCON absences.
Despite the possibility of a January signing, Amorim remains focused on the next game. "We are going to find solutions. No excuses, we need to win the next game and we are going to try to win the next game," Amorim added.
