Ornstein makes worrying Man Utd transfer prediction

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Nov 2024 08:48 CST
• 4 min read

David Ornstein does not expect Manchester United to be active in January as 'the money isn't there.'

The Red Devils will prove a tough nut to crack for new head coach Ruben Amorim. Languishing 13th in the Premier League after the club's worst-ever start to a season in the competition's history, the Portuguese tactician will face a tall task getting Man Utd up the table.

Additionally, Amorim will be asked to operate under financial constraints. The 39-year-old is 'only' a head coach anyway, so he won't be as involved in transfer business as predecessor Erik ten Hag, but he will also have to rely more heavily on what is already at his disposal.

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Man Utd are scrambling to cut costs and, after the expensive flop transfers of the Ten Hag era, will no longer agree to splash massive fees on players like Antony or Mason Mount.

Speaking to Sky Sports, The Athletic's transfer insider David Ornstein has now confirmed that Man Utd likely won't be active in January as Amorim will be tasked with improving what he has.

Ornstein on Man Utd's January business

"[January] has never been a massive window for Man Utd or many Premier League clubs to spend, they normally focus on the summer. Man Utd have signed over the last few years on average about five players per summer and I suspect they'll invest again when it comes to that window," Ornstein said.

"But right now, Man Utd are cutting it fine on Financial Fair Play, Profitability and Sustainability, so the money just isn't really there. They've made cutbacks across the board, including an ambassadorial role for Sir Alex Ferguson. They're even looking at the allocation of finances that they give to the Disabled Supporters Association.

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"So when it comes to transfer spending, it doesn't surprise me [that Amorim won't have a warchest]. Man Utd have invested heavily, there are a lot of good players there who they can get improved performances out of and Amorim is renowned for improving players, so he'll try and work with those at his disposal.

"Maybe they can do a little bit in the market, maybe some players will have to leave. Maybe Antony could be on his way out of the club and that could free up some finances, but I think it will be a low-key January at Old Trafford.

"Amorim, I think, there is a very good chance he will show through his coaching what he is capable of and then they will build in time using the markets too."