Ahead of Manchester United’s home tie against AFC Bournemouth, Rúben Amorim has called for action in the January transfer window.
Manchester United could be set for a busy winter window following a hectic few months in the summer. Jason Wilcox – United’s Director of Football, who replaced Dan Ashworth last season – brought in four regular first-team players, with several academy players also coming in.
Selling players in January could be key to any business United want to complete. Sam Mather – an under-21s wide player – looked close to a move in the summer, but it broke down in the final days, much like Tyrell Malacia. Moving both of them on will be on top of the priority list.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee may also be looking for winter exits after limited gametime to start the campaign. Interest seems to be high, with Italian giants looking at both United outcasts.
Rúben Amorim will be hungry to replace those who leave the club quickly, especially with Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo at the African Cup of Nations for half of January.
The trio have started both of United’s last Premier League matches, and will be a big miss for the former Sporting CP boss. But his focus seems to be on another area in the January window.
Amorim makes January transfer plea
Ahead of Monday night’s clash against AFC Bournemouth, Amorim has indirectly asked Wilcox and INEOS to act in the January transfer window, following the success in the summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new recruitment team.
When asked about United’s potential this season, Amorim told Sky Sports: “I don’t know, because we have been so inconsistent sometimes, that it’s hard to predict something. But again, one of the good things is that we addressed, and in the summer, we addressed the lack of goals, and we are scoring goals. So, something we are addressing, we are improving.
“We need to stop suffering so many goals, because sometimes there’s not so many opportunities for the opponent to score goals against us. And that is also my job, not just to focus on just the results, but also what has happened on the pitch. And again, I think we could be in a different position.”
Amorim’s reference to the summer business in the attacking areas – Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško – is a clear indication that he wants more defensive signings.
The need for more central defenders has become apparent in recent weeks, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire out injured. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have both filled in as the most central centre-back, but neither looks entirely comfortable in the role.
United must act in January
Heaven has started the last two Premier League matches, despite being withdrawn at half-time against West Ham United – the first of the two games. But, for his long-term development, he should be sent on loan in January to play regular football, like Harry Amass.
Amass appeared in the Europa League last season for Amorim, and could’ve provided competition for Patrick Dorgu this season, but United elected to send the former Watford schoolboy on loan.
Read More: Rúben Amorim reveals how Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola helped him prepare for Manchester United job
The left-back has been sensational for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, and has already learnt much in less than six months in England’s second tier, as has Radek Vitek at Bristol City.
Diego Leon has remained at the club for the start of the season, but could also be loaned out in January, with OGC Nice reportedly eyeing a move.
When the youngsters move on loan, Lisandro Martínez will have a clear place in the squad, but Wilcox should look to bring in another central defender to elevate the level at the club, as United aim for the Champions League spots.
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