Ruben Amorim only added two new signings to his Manchester United squad over the winter transfer window.
Since his appointment in November, Ruben Amorim has so far been unable to reverse the fortunes of Manchester United this season. The Red Devils are slumped in 13th in the Premier League table, and the only hope of returning to the Champions League next season now lies with winning the Europa League.
After a miserable first half of the season, the winter transfer window provided an opportunity for United’s owners to back Amorim and strengthen his squad.
However, the Portuguese head coach has arguably been left with a weaker squad. Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan and joining him out the exit door was Antony and Tyrell Malacia – who also completed loan deals.
United signed Patrick Dorgu for £25m to strengthen at wing-back. The only other signing that arrived this window was 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven, who was presented to Old Trafford with Dorgu before the Crystal Palace defeat.
Ruben Amorim comments on Man United’s lack of signings
Having allowed Rashford and Antony to leave, reports claimed Amorim wanted to sign a striker on deadline day.
United held talks for Mathys Tel, but eventually walked away from a loan deal after deeming Bayern Munich’s £6.5m loan fee demand too expensive. The 19-year-old instead ended up joining Tottenham.
United were left emptyhanded when the window slammed shut, meaning Amorim’s request for a new striker was ignored. For the remainder of the season, his only attacking options are Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho…
In his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Leicester City, Amorim was asked about United’s lack of transfer business.
“What I feel is that the club is taking its time, we know the urgency of the moment of the team, everybody here don’t want to make the same mistakes of the past,” Amorim said.
“In the summer we will see.
“But like I said, we are being really careful with transfers because we did some mistakes in the past.
“Changing everything in the middle of the season without new signings is a danger for a coach, but I have a clear idea of what I want to do and I take these risks because in the end it’s going to pay off.
“It was my decision to do that.”
Ruben Amorim will be backed in the summer
United wanted to spend last month, but unfortunately PSR shackled the club’s budget.
However, the cautious approach taken this window should free up United to spend big in the summer.
Rashford’s loan includes a £40m buy option – if that is triggered then the budget available to Amorim and Co. will inflate.
A star striker will be Amorim’s priority – and Viktor Gyokeres staying put at Sporting this month is great news for United.
Amorim’s message since arriving in Manchester is that he is willing to suffer short-term pain for long-term success. That has been the case in terms of his tactical switch as well as the club’s transfer business.
United’s 2024/25 season may be a write-off, but the club has no option but to back Amorim in the summer.
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