Ruben Amorim has revealed whether Manchester United will look to sign a defender in the January transfer window.
Manchester United have faced criticism this season for a perceived lack of entertainment, but that accusation hardly applied to their recent clash with Bournemouth.
The thrilling 4-4 draw has already been hailed as a contender for game of the season, with United producing some electrifying attacking football. However, persistent defensive frailties ultimately limited them to a single point.
Ruben Amorim’s team have managed just one clean sheet in the league so far and have shipped 26 goals. Only five sides have conceded more.
Some people have claimed that after solving some of the offensive issues in the transfer market, United now need to bring in some defenders as soon as January.
Amorim reveals whether United will sign a defender in January
United do have many options in their defence, especially because full-backs like Luke Shaw or Noussair Mazraoui can play in the back three.
Despite some calls for a defensive signing to be made in January, Amorim pushed back when asked if that was something in the plans and instead claimed that United have ‘quality’ defenders.
He believes that the team needs to defend better as a collective, rather than there being problems with individuals in the backline.
“No, I think we have talent in the back,” the United boss responded when asked by reporters about signing a defender in January.
“We have quality players in the back, we just need to be better as a team defending. But that is a good point that at least shows that we took care of the offence, we are improving, but I think it’s not the same situation.
“We have the characteristics, we just need to work together and to improve our players because they have quality to defend better.”
United could sign Semenyo in January
United aren’t likely to be too busy in January but if they do make a move, it seems like it would actually be for another attacking player.
Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and recent reports suggest the Reds are looking at a potential deal.
Read More: Rúben Amorim potentially set to reunite with Sporting CP ‘wonder-kid’ amid next transfer priority
The winger has a £65 million release clause active in the January window and it is clear that United are fans of the Ghanaian international.
He could be an offensive option at wingback or another quality pick for Amorim in the front three. The United boss recently stated that he needs ‘another Amad‘ on the left flank, and perhaps Semenyo is that player.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.