Amorim reveals Manchester United's winter transfer plans! Top target hard to sign, scouting one player but interested in his teammate

Manchester United wants to bring in new players during the January transfer window next year, but it might not happen. The club vied with Manchester City for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo but was turned down. Other targeted players are also not guaranteed to sign.

At the Premier League pre-match press conference, Ruben Amorim firmly stated that Manchester United will not seek short-term reinforcements, implying they probably won’t go for loan deals. He also explained why the team is prioritizing signing a winger even when midfield is the area of greatest need.

Amorim said: “We will only bring in players the club believes represent the future; our targets are not meant to fix the current problems. So, Manchester United might try to sign a player who may not fill the team’s most urgent position right now. We aim to bring someone in now and then sign players better suited for long-term development at the end of the season. I don’t know what will happen, but I can say we might take action.”

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs also confirmed that Manchester United will avoid panic buying in January. Amorim might have to rely on internal options to cover for Bruno Fernandes’ injury. “B. Fernandes’ injury may not change United’s January transfer plans since he is expected to return in January. His absence could give opportunities for players like Kobbie Mainoo and Ugart to prove themselves.”

It is reported that Manchester United told academy prospect Mainoo to be patient, as he might get more playing time during the Christmas period. Bruno Fernandes’ absence increases this possibility, but unfortunately, Mainoo has a calf injury himself, otherwise he could have started against Aston Villa.

Mainoo still wishes to leave Manchester United, but the club might hold him back again. Jacobs explained: “Sources close to the player say Mainoo wants a loan move to Napoli to get enough game time before the World Cup, but United does not want to let him go. Unless United signs another midfielder in January, I don’t think the club’s stance will change.”

Manchester United will definitely sign new midfielders in 2026, but whether it happens in the winter or summer window is still unclear. Jacobs said: “From what I understand, United plans to bring in two experienced midfielders in 2026: one specialized defensive midfielder (a No.6), and another versatile midfielder. Amorim wants midfielders with strong tackling and speed. But United won’t sign blindly—they will only act if the right player is available in January; otherwise, the club is prepared to wait until the summer transfer window.”

The players Manchester United might acquire in the winter window number only two or three. “Conor Gallagher is a possible mid-season signing; reports also link Ruben Neves with United, although no contact has been made with the player or Al Hilal club.” Jacobs continued, “Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are key targets for United’s summer signings next year, while Angelo Stiller and Adam Walton have also been mentioned.”

The 28-year-old Portuguese international Neves has a contract with Al Hilal expiring next summer, attracting interest from many clubs, including Real Madrid. Manchester United could potentially sign him for £15 million, but Al Hilal, with deep pockets, might refuse and keep Neves until his contract ends. Former teammate Al-Jaber predicted: “I think Neves will wait until the end of this season to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Premier League clubs are interested and willing to offer him a three-year deal, and Real Madrid is also interested.”

Regarding Atlético Madrid’s Gallagher, The Guardian reports that Manchester United is monitoring him, but Atlético insists on a permanent transfer rather than a loan, with a price tag over €40 million. According to Teamtalk, during the scouting of Gallagher, United was actually more impressed by his teammate Pablo Barrios.

The 22-year-old Barrios is the player who displaced Gallagher in Diego Simeone’s lineup, starting 15 times in La Liga this season. Premier League transfer expert Dean Jones said: “It’s hard to tell if United really wants to sign him, but I’ve heard United genuinely admires Barrios. They were interested in Gallagher and perhaps noticed Barrios while scouting him. Regardless of how they noticed him, Barrios has sparked discussions among several clubs, including United.”

Barrios is a typical Spanish midfielder, considered highly suitable for Manchester United’s long-term development needs. However, Atlético Madrid will not agree to sell him; his contract runs until 2030 and includes a release clause as high as €120 million.