Amorim clarifies Manchester United’s winter transfer conditions! Considering switching to a back four to beat Villa, targeting one player

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim mentioned that the club could reinforce the squad during the January transfer window but made it clear that any signings would not be made out of desperation. The 40-year-old Portuguese coach also reminded academy midfielder Kobe Meno that to keep his position, he must put in effort rather than resort to tricks.

When asked before this round of Premier League matches about Manchester United’s winter transfer budget, Amorim replied: “We still need to assess the situation. The only certainty is that we will only try to bring in players we believe represent the future. Our actions won’t be temporary fixes, nor will they be to cover absences caused by three players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. It won’t be like that. I don’t know what will happen, but we might take some action.”

Currently, Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has become one of Manchester United’s targets, with a £65 million release clause activating in January. Last week, Semenyo scored against Manchester United and was described by Amorim as a very special player. After signing the 24-year-old Ghana international, United hopes he will agree to play as a left wing-back.

Amorim may also change his formation because Semenyo prefers playing as a striker or winger. If United plays a 4-2-3-1, Cunha, Mbemo, and Semenyo could all feature up front together. The Red Devils’ manager indicated that due to current personnel shortages, he might switch to a four-defender formation for the upcoming away match against Aston Villa, abandoning his favored three-defender system.

Amorim said, “It depends on our specific situation during the week. If we have to use a four-defender setup, then we will switch to that. Right now, I’m focused only on the next match. Let’s take it step by step. Manchester United has an important game coming up, and we must win. The team also needs to explore different tactical approaches, especially with Amad (Diallo) and Bryan (Mbemo) unavailable; we’ve lost some key tactical traits that are hard to replace.”

Besides the Africa Cup players, Casemiro is suspended for the Villa match due to accumulating five yellow cards, which might give 20-year-old Meno his first Premier League start since May. Amorim also cautioned this season’s controversial England international, implying he must work hard and accept a substitute role.

Amorim said, “Maybe in the next match, which is Sunday’s game, Kobe (Meno) will start. But I don’t want to show anything to anyone. I’ll just say that I’m working hard to win and proving to the players that as long as you do your job well, no matter what your name is, you will play.”

Meno’s brother, Jordan Meno-Hems, appeared at Old Trafford last round wearing a T-shirt supporting his brother, putting pressure on Amorim. In response, Amorim said, “Kobe is a shy boy, and that situation wasn’t his responsibility. He only needs to be accountable for his own actions, and his performance in the last game was indeed very good, so that’s all I focus on. When I worked at Sporting CP, I had a similar experience: my brother wrote something online, and I had to deal with it. My view was: ‘He has his own life and opinions, which don’t concern me.’ I have the same attitude towards Kobe.”

Amorim reminded Meno that many Manchester United legends have sat on the bench and proved themselves through hard work. “Kobe needs to fight for his spot. I think being a substitute at 20 years old is actually good for a young player at Manchester United. I remember Cristiano Ronaldo was once on the bench, Rooney sometimes sat out, and Veron even more so. I understand United’s history; no one escapes this fate. So let’s work hard with actions and avoid meaningless distractions and noise. Believe it or not, I just want to help the team win and help Kobe become a better player.”

Following Chelsea’s draw and Crystal Palace’s loss on Saturday, if Manchester United can win away at Villa, they will overtake Liverpool in fifth place on goal difference and equal Chelsea in points in fourth. However, due to a significant goal difference deficit, United would need an 8-goal victory to reach the top four.