Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a clear message to fans expecting January reinforcements, stating the club will not be making any signings this month.
United Miss Out on Key Target
This confirmation comes in the wake of the club's failed pursuit of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. United had held a long-standing interest in the Ghana international, initiating talks last summer before he signed a new contract in July 2025.
That new deal contained a release clause, activated this month, which sparked a Premier League scramble for his signature. Manchester United were prepared to meet the £65million fee to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Semenyo expressed his desire to join rivals Manchester City. United, reluctant to break their newly established wage structure, stepped aside, with the player now set for a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Amorim's Firm Stance on Squad Building
Following a summer of significant investment that saw over £200million spent on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens, Amorim indicated the spending is now on hold.
"The transfer window is not going to change," Amorim stated ahead of United's trip to face Leeds United. "We have no conversations at this moment to have any change in the squad."
He emphasised the club's long-term vision, adding, "There is a process, there is an idea. That is going to continue. We are near the places of the Champions League but we are near also eight teams behind us, so let’s focus on the next game, just that."
Summer Revamp Remains the Priority
The club's focus has now firmly shifted to the summer window, where revamping the midfield is a top priority. This is driven by Casemiro entering the final months of his contract and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of captain Bruno Fernandes.
Key targets for the summer include players like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, none of whom are considered viable options for January.
In terms of potential departures, a proposed January loan move to Napoli for Kobbie Mainoo is now very unlikely to be approved due to an injury to Bruno Fernandes. A move to Italy for Joshua Zirkzee, linked with Roma, also appears improbable, especially with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeubo absent on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
