Ruben Amorim's arrival at Manchester United has stirred excitement among fans and set off speculation around potential transfers as the club seeks to regroup after turbulent months. Having taken over the managerial position just over a week ago, Amorim immediately finds himself under pressure to reshape the squad and improve their performance on the pitch. With Manchester United currently sitting precariously at 13th place in the Premier League, the urgency for change is palpable.
During his first press conference as United's manager, Amorim emphasized the need for improvement, especially on the defensive front. He stated, "We have to be much stronger defensively, and that's where we need to focus our efforts." His tactical shift from Erik ten Hag's favored 4-2-3-1 formation to Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 could significantly influence the types of players he targets as he reshapes the squad over the upcoming transfer windows.
One player already under his consideration is Joshua Zirkzee, the 23-year-old Netherlands international who has struggled to find his footing at Old Trafford, managing only one goal and one assist across 11 league appearances this season. Zirkzee's failure to secure consistent game time, especially with Rasmus Hojlund pushing for his position, has led to rumors about his future at the club. Reports have suggested Amorim is willing to give Zirkzee a clean slate, believing the player can turn his form around and contribute significantly moving forward.
Despite the presumed trust Amorim has placed in Zirkzee, the club hierarchy is conscious of their current predicament. With limited funds expected to be available for January, speculations have emerged about potential loan deals rather than significant signings. United has reportedly reached out to both Juventus and Napoli, exploring opportunities to loan Zirkzee if he cannot secure a regular place within Amorim's plans.
On the broader front, Amorim's transfer priorities seem to be focused on addressing various gaps within the squad. His first aim might involve beefing up the defensive options, especially with concerns about the future of players like Harry Maguire, who remains subject to speculation about his long-term stay at Old Trafford. Rumors suggest United could rekindle their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, and they are also evaluating Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon due to budget constraints.
To bolster his attacking options, Amorim is reportedly interested in Randal Kolo Muani of Paris Saint-Germain. After having difficulty establishing himself following his £76.4 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, Kolo Muani could welcome the opportunity for more playing time, something United is willing to facilitate with potential loan discussions during the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, scouts have been dispatched to watch Viktor Gyokeres, whose impressive record at Sporting has piqued United's interest as they hope to rectify their goal drought which has seen them score merely 12 goals from 11 league games.
The recent appointment of Amorim has turned the spotlight not only on the existing players but also on potential new signings from abroad. Manchester United is reportedly weighing the chance to bring Angel Gomes back to Manchester—with the former United youth player set for availability on a free transfer after his contract with Lille expires. Amorim has expressed interest, seeing Gomes as someone who could slot effectively back within the squad.
While Amorim's wish list undoubtedly includes experienced names, it also features younger talents like Geovany Quenda, who has been noted for his scoring prowess at Sporting. The Portuguese boss's acumen for spotting talent could help establish future building blocks at the club as he attempts to create a competitive unit capable of climbing back to the top echelons of English football.
The timing for Manchester United could not be more pivotal, as they sit outside of any European competition and face mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike to right the ship. With Amorim's fresh perspective and careful management of the squad, there’s hope this shake-up could signal the beginning of something new at Old Trafford.
With talk surrounding Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, the pressing nature of the club's transfer dealings will become clearer as speculation and discussions continue. While not all players are deemed up for grabs, the eagerness from Amorim and the board to back him with significant signings hints at ambitions to restore Manchester United to their historical prominence.
Only time will tell how the January transfer window shapes up for Amorim at United, but one thing is for sure—the coming weeks will be pivotal for the Red Devils as they search for not just recruits but the right recruits for the club's ethos and ambitions moving forward.
