Ahead of Manchester United's 20th round Premier League match against Leeds, coach Ruben Amorim remained evasive when questioned about potential squad reinforcements. Breaking from his usual candor, the Portuguese manager offered only brief, non-committal responses, asserting he had held no discussions with the club regarding mid-season transfers.

This stance follows Amorim's earlier statement on 24/12, where he emphasized that implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation would require significant investment and time. "I'm starting to understand that won't happen. So, perhaps I have to adapt," the 40-year-old manager remarked around Christmas, sparking rumors of a divergence in views with the club's hierarchy.

Coach Ruben Amorim disappointed after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Wolves in the 19th round of the Premier League on 30/12. *Photo: Man Utd*

Manchester United's leadership, however, maintains that while transfers are not ruled out, the club will avoid panic buying during the mid-season window. Their priority is to expedite deals already earmarked for the summer. The club continues its search for a defensive midfielder and had pursued Antoine Semenyo, though they face stiff competition from Manchester City.

Amorim had seemingly aligned with this strategy, but his demeanor shifted noticeably when pressed further. When reminded of his previous comment that transitioning to a 4-3-3 formation would be costly and improbable, the 40-year-old manager declined to elaborate, stating, "I don't want to talk about that. I'm just focused on the Leeds match."

When questioned about any changes to the transfer budget or information from Jason Wilcox, Amorim again sidestepped the inquiry, offering a brief, smiling retort: "I don't want to talk about that. But you are very smart."

Bryan Mbeumo celebrates the opening goal with Amad Diallo in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom, in the 8th round of the Premier League on the evening of 19/10/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

This marks the first instance in his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford that Amorim has publicly hinted at discord with the club's hierarchy. While not yet severe, the situation raises concerns, especially as Manchester United grapples with significant squad challenges. The Red Devils are currently without several key players: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kobbie Mainoo are injured, while Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are away competing in the African Cup 2025.

"It might sound like an excuse, but losing Fernandes, Diallo, and Mbeumo simultaneously is genuinely unfortunate," Amorim stated. "They handle most of our creative play and set-piece responsibilities. Losing all three would challenge any team."

Pressure on Amorim intensified mid-week after Manchester United's draw against bottom-placed Wolves, which drew jeers from the home crowd. Some of his substitution choices also faced criticism. Despite this, the Portuguese manager asserted his deep understanding of the team, maintaining that his decisions always prioritize the club's collective interest.

Manchester United currently sits sixth, but Amorim cautioned that their lead over the chasing pack is precarious. With a demanding schedule ahead—featuring matches against Leeds, Burnley, Manchester City, and Arsenal—this is not the start to the new year the 40-year-old manager had hoped for.

Hong Duy (via Daily Mail)