Manchester United’s January Transfer Strategy: Focus on Stability and Future Planning

Kobbie Mainoo’s aspirations for a loan transfer to Napoli were thwarted by Manchester United on deadline day.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has stated that he is unwilling to allow any players to leave during the January transfer window unless suitable replacements are secured. Both Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are eager for increased playing opportunities in the latter half of the season; Mainoo continues to express interest in a loan move, while Zirkzee has been linked with a potential return to Italy.

Despite the anticipated return of key players such as captain Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, along with Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui from the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim believes that the current squad lacks sufficient depth to accommodate any reductions in player numbers. He remarked, “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution. We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen.”

Amorim faces the challenge of being without seven senior players for the upcoming Boxing Day match against Newcastle. Mainoo remains sidelined due to a calf injury, and defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also unavailable.

While Amorim has indicated that there may be opportunities to sign players in January, it appears Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is poised to join Manchester City instead. In theory, acquiring a midfield replacement for either Zirkzee or Mainoo could enhance United’s prospects as they aim for a European spot in the second half of the season.

Financially, parting ways with Mainoo may not be justifiable, considering that any incoming player would command a salary significantly higher than the 20-year-old’s current earnings. If Mainoo’s recovery takes longer, 18-year-old England youth international Jack Fletcher will provide midfield support for Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte during the Christmas and New Year period.

Amorim reiterated his belief that signing players must align with a long-term vision for the club. “We are struggling at this moment, but the club has a plan, and we are going to stick with it,” he stated. “If we have the opportunity to bring in a player who we believe is part of the club’s future, then we will. If not, we have Jack [Fletcher], Shea [Lacey], and in three weeks, we will have Amad, Noussair, Bryan, along with the return of Bruno and Kobbie Mainoo.”

Regarding the contractual situations of Casemiro and Maguire, both players will be eligible to negotiate with potential new clubs starting January 1. Amorim is confident in Casemiro’s commitment, noting that the Brazil captain’s training performances reflect his determination not to wane as he approaches the end of his United career—unless he agrees to a substantial pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary.

While Mainoo was expected to benefit from learning alongside the former Real Madrid star, he has found himself competing for a position in Amorim’s midfield, a contest that Casemiro has decisively won thus far.

Despite facing scrutiny for not utilizing Mainoo more frequently, Amorim believes that the United academy product will play a crucial role in the club’s future. “Kobbie Mainoo can perform in various positions,” he stated. “He can occupy Casemiro’s role, or play as we did in the last game against Aston Villa. He is going to be the future of Manchester United; that’s how I feel. He just needs to wait for his opportunity. In football, everything can change in two days.”