Ruben Amorim admits HUGE Man Utd transfer 'risk'

Cameron Smith

6 Feb 2025 08:30 CST
4 min read

Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United took a “risk” by failing to substantially improve their first-team squad during the January transfer window.

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The Red Devils were expected to complete deals for several new signings, but Lecce star Patrick Dorgu and Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven were the only two players to arrive at Old Trafford.

Man Utd were unsuccessful in their pursuit of a new centre forward, while they were unable to sign a central midfielder, despite rumours that Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will leave the club in 2025.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa), Antony (Real Betis) and Tyrell Malacia (PSV Eindhoven) were all sent out on loan.

Man Utd are currently languishing down in 13th place in the Premier League table, having lost 11 of their 24 English top flight matches so far this campaign, and Amorim has acknowledged that his side were cautious during the January window.

Ruben Amorim on Man Utd’s January transfer business

Speaking ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash against Leicester City on Friday, Amorim told reporters (via The Athletic): “What I feel is the club is taking its time, we know the urgency of the moment.

“But I think everybody here doesn't want to make the same mistakes we did in the past, we have to improve the players we have, win some games, in summer we will see. We are being really careful on transfers because we made some mistakes in the past.

© IMAGO - Patrick Dorgu joined Man Utd from Lecce for an initial €30m

“At the moment it is hard to turn things around in a few games, it is going to be like that, hard, until the end of the season. We are taking that risk because we want a different thing in our team, different profile, that is my area, so my decision on that.

“We will have time to train. I am always complaining. Now we want a certain type of player with a different profile.”

When asked whether Man Utd took a risk by failing to sign more players capable of playing in his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Amorim replied: “That is clear, also exciting. I know when I choose this professional you have the risk of results.

“I already knew when I came here, look at the schedule, look at the team, my decisions to change everything, take hard decisions without signing, is a danger for a coach, but I have a clear idea of what I want to do.

“I take these risks because I think it will pay off in the end. But I know I am not naive, this is a sport of results and it is a difficult situation.”