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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has declined to clarify comments about his transfer budget, offering a cryptic response that has fuelled speculation about potential tensions behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
Usually expansive in media briefings, Amorim shut down questions when asked to explain remarks he made on Christmas Eve about his tactical preferences and the resources required to implement them.
"I have the feeling if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time," he said at the time. "I'm starting to understand that is not going to happen. So, maybe I have to adapt."
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United, Amorim was asked why he appeared unclear about the club’s recruitment position when he joined from Sporting in November 2024.
"I don't want to talk about that," he said. "I just focus on the Leeds game."
Pressed again on whether he regretted his comments prior to the Newcastle match, Amorim responded: "No, no, no. But I don't want to talk about it."
When the same journalist asked if something had changed regarding the January transfer budget, Amorim again refused to elaborate.
"I don't want to talk about that."
After a brief pause, he added: "But you are very smart, so..."
United have consistently maintained they will only move in the January window for players who fit their long-term strategy. However, Amorim has previously acknowledged differences of opinion with the club over transfer targets. One such disagreement is understood to have involved the decision to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day instead of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, who was Amorim’s preferred option.
The latest exchange comes during a difficult spell at Old Trafford, with fan confidence in Amorim waning after a poor run of home results. United have suffered a defeat to Everton despite their opponents being reduced to 10 men early, along with draws against West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves.
Despite remaining sixth in the Premier League, United have repeatedly missed opportunities to break into the top four and sit just three points above 12th-placed Fulham. European qualification remains the club’s stated target, and failure to achieve it would raise serious questions about Amorim’s future.
United are known to be interested in reinforcing central midfield and wing-back positions, though leading targets including Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are considered unrealistic options in January. Links have also emerged to Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves and former academy graduate James Garner, now at Everton.
Despite earlier suggestions that at least one signing could be made this month, Amorim dampened expectations on Friday.
"We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad," he said.
Amorim also confirmed he is short of options for the Leeds trip, with eight first-team players unavailable due to injury and international call-ups. While Zirkzee and Mainoo have been linked with January exits, the United boss reiterated his stance.
"If you look at our squad, I think it's impossible for someone to leave," he said. "They need to talk with [director of football] Jason [Wilcox]."
United spent around £200 million in the summer to bolster their attack with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, contributing to a marked improvement in goalscoring. Only Arsenal and Manchester City have scored more in the Premier League this season.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Javid Naderi
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