Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened the door to potential January transfer activity, but insists any new arrivals must be viewed as long-term investments for the club rather than short-term fixes.
Amorim's Transfer Philosophy for United
The Portuguese boss, who oversaw a significant summer overhaul at Old Trafford, confirmed the club has the capacity to do business when the window reopens. However, he was clear that his focus is solely on securing players who represent the future of Manchester United.
"We'll see," Amorim stated when asked about United's budget for January. "The only thing we know is that we only would try to bring players that we think are going to be the future."
He explicitly ruled out making panic buys to cover the upcoming absences of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, who are set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. "It's not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON," he emphasised.
Antoine Semenyo Emerges as a Key Target
One player strongly linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams is Bournemouth's dynamic forward, Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international has a release clause valued at £65 million that becomes active in January.
United are expected to face fierce competition for his signature, with both Manchester City and Liverpool also reportedly monitoring the situation. Intriguingly, it has been suggested that Semenyo is being considered for a potential role as a wing-back under Amorim's system.
The United manager holds a potential advantage, having met the player in London at the end of the previous season, which could give the Red Devils a slight edge in any negotiations.
Midfield Reinforcements Remain a Priority
Despite the exciting links to Semenyo, the club's hierarchy still plans to sign a new midfielder after failing to secure a deal for Brighton's Carlos Baleba during the summer.
Potential candidates for that role include the aforementioned Baleba, along with Newcastle's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Amorim's summer signings of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko show a clear direction, and any January business is expected to follow the same strategic, forward-thinking model.
"It’s not going to be like that, even if we try to bring one player, maybe it's not the position that we need more," Amorim added, hinting at a disciplined approach. "We will try to bring now – and in the end of the season – players that are perfect for our future. I don't know what is going to happen, but it's possible that we can do something."
Amorim's Message to Kobbie Mainoo
In other news, the manager also addressed the situation of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled for starting opportunities this season. Amorim urged the 20-year-old to stay and fight for his place, citing club legends who also had to be patient.
"Kobbie needs to fight for his job," Amorim said. "I think that it's not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United when you are 20 years old. I remember Ronaldo was on the bench, Rooney was on the bench sometimes. I remember all the history of Manchester United and nobody this didn't fall to, so let's continue in trying to avoid the nonsense and the noise."
As the January window approaches, it appears Manchester United's strategy will be defined by patience and a steadfast commitment to building a squad for the years ahead, with Antoine Semenyo firmly on their radar.
