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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has played down the prospect of January signings, insisting there are currently “no conversations” about reinforcing his squad despite mounting injury concerns.
United reached the halfway stage of the Premier League season sitting sixth, just three points adrift of the final Champions League qualification place.
However, dropped points in recent weeks, including a frustrating 1-1 draw against bottom-side Wolves on Tuesday, have slowed their momentum.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leeds, Amorim suggested that significant movement in the transfer window was unlikely. His comments marked a shift in tone from earlier this month, when he indicated the club would assess its options.
“The transfer window is not going to change,” Amorim said. “There are no conversations at this moment about making changes to the squad. There is a process and an idea that will continue.”
He hinted that while United remain close to the Champions League places, the margins are tight.
“We are near those positions, but there are also eight teams close behind us. So the focus has to be on the next game — nothing else.”
United have been linked with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, though he is reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester City.
Meanwhile, speculation has surrounded the futures of Joshua Zirkzee and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but Amorim dismissed any suggestion that players are pushing for exits.
“No, none of them have come to me,” he said. “And I don’t expect them to.”
The Portuguese coach faces a major selection headache for the trip to Elland Road, with up to eight players unavailable. Injuries have compounded the absence of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Mainoo are all sidelined, while defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have also missed recent matches.
Leeds, unbeaten in six games, are chasing a first home victory over United since September 2002, and Amorim acknowledged the challenge posed by the hostile atmosphere.
“It’s a very difficult environment,” he said. “The players have to be ready for that and experience it. It’s hard for anyone — even players with a lot of experience — but we must cope and try to win.”
