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Manchester United Weigh January Options as Amorim Shapes Squad

The Athletic has detailed a revealing breakdown of Manchester United’s thinking ahead of the January transfer window. As the article outlines, Old Trafford has become accustomed to heavy summer spending, with more than £200m committed for the third time in four years. January, however, traditionally tells a different story, although last winter’s €35m arrival of Patrick Dorgu showed that exceptions are possible.

Despite substantial investment since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became minority owner, gaps remain in Ruben Amorim’s squad. United are back in contention for European qualification, sitting seventh at the halfway stage, but the margins are fine and reinforcement could prove decisive in a congested Premier League table.

The Athletic’s reporting, based on sources close to transfer dealings, paints a picture of a club open to January business only if it accelerates long term plans rather than indulging in short term fixes.

Midfield and Balance Remain Central Concerns

Amorim’s priority last summer was midfield, a point reiterated clearly in the article. United’s £215m outlay was focused heavily on attacking options, leaving budgets unable to stretch far enough to address what The Athletic describe as a long standing problem position.

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The United head coach has also highlighted the need for balance on the flanks, specifically a right footed equivalent to Amad at left wing back. Amorim linked this directly to United’s struggles in a 1 to 0 defeat against 10 man Everton. Defensive frailties, however, have not shifted his stance on centre backs.

“We have talent in the back, we have quality players in the back. We just need to be better as a team defending.”

That quote underlines Amorim’s belief that structural improvement, rather than recruitment, can address United’s lack of clean sheets.

Transfer Targets and Opportunities

United are prepared to be active in January, but only if circumstances align. As The Athletic explain, the club’s top midfield targets are unlikely to be attainable mid season. Still, flexibility remains.

Antoine Semenyo represents one such opportunity, with a £65m release clause active for the first 10 days of January. Amorim has publicly praised the winger, calling him “special”. Yet Semenyo’s preference for Manchester City complicates matters.

In midfield, Elliott Anderson tops United’s wishlist, though Nottingham Forest have no intention of selling. The Athletic also note, “Adam Wharton is also greatly admired at Old Trafford for his ability to play line-breaking passes and Carlos Baleba cannot be discounted, despite his form declining since United held talks, via intermediaries, with Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.”

That line reflects United’s readiness to act if the right opportunity emerges, even if it requires a shift in plans.

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Outgoings, Loans and Financial Reality

January departures will be carefully managed. United do not intend to weaken Amorim’s squad without replacements, and decisions will wait until after the Africa Cup of Nations. Kobbie Mainoo’s future remains unresolved, with Napoli retaining strong interest and talks expected to be handled by sporting director Giovanni Manna.

Joshua Zirkzee is another name in focus, with The Athletic reporting a proposed loan with obligation from Roma via intermediaries. However, United would prefer to delay any move until after AFCON due to concerns over attacking depth.

Financially, United remain compliant with PSR, with The Athletic noting the club could lose around £141m in 2024 to 25 and still stay within regulations. Creative deal structuring and borrowing capacity continue to shape what is possible.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United supporters, this report feels reassuring rather than thrilling. There is a sense of order to the planning, something that has often been missing in previous windows. Fans will recognise the discipline in only moving for players who fit long term needs, even if that means resisting the urge to act in January.

The midfield focus makes complete sense. Supporters have seen too many matches drift away due to a lack of control, energy and progression through the centre. Reading that Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are admired suggests United are targeting profiles that can dictate tempo rather than simply add legs.

There will be anxiety around outgoings. Mainoo’s situation will concern fans who see him as a symbol of the club’s future, while a potential Zirkzee departure raises questions about depth. Yet the emphasis on waiting until after AFCON shows a pragmatic understanding of squad balance.

Ultimately, United fans will accept a quiet January if it means smarter decisions. The belief is that Amorim, backed by clearer structures under Ratcliffe, is finally shaping a squad with intent rather than impulse.