“Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United ‘took a risk’ in January window that ‘hurt the squad'”

“Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United ‘took a risk’ in January window that ‘hurt the squad'”

 

 

 

Ruben Amorim Admits Manchester United ‘Took a Risk’ in January Window That ‘Hurt the Squad’

 

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened up in a candid interview about the club’s controversial decisions during the January transfer window, admitting that the Red Devils “took a risk” that ultimately “hurt the squad” both in depth and momentum. The Portuguese tactician, known for his tactical clarity and honesty, acknowledged that decisions made before his arrival had lasting effects that he is still trying to fix as United prepare for a pivotal end to the season and an uncertain summer rebuild.

 

With United having fallen short in key domestic competitions and teetering on the edge of European qualification, Amorim’s remarks shed light on the behind-the-scenes challenges he’s facing—challenges that go beyond the pitch and trace back to a window that was supposed to strengthen, but instead left the squad exposed.

 

 

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A Quiet Window That Backfired

 

The January 2025 transfer window was underwhelming by Manchester United standards. After a summer of heavy investment and the looming threat of Financial Fair Play sanctions, the board opted for a conservative approach midway through the campaign. The result was a window with no marquee arrivals, only a few loans, and—perhaps most damagingly—a couple of departures that weakened squad depth.

 

Speaking to reporters ahead of their clash with Athletic Bilbao, Amorim didn’t hold back:

“The club took a risk in January, trying to balance the books and make room for the summer,” he explained. “But in doing that, we lost some important pieces that hurt the squad. It’s something we’ve been feeling ever since.”

 

Sources close to the club confirm that Amorim, who joined late in the season after Erik ten Hag’s departure, had little influence over January’s strategy, which was largely driven by the financial department and an effort to lower the wage bill. However, the consequences of those choices are now being felt daily.

 

 

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Departures That Left Holes

 

Perhaps the most glaring issue was the mid-season exit of Anthony Martial, who was allowed to leave on a free transfer after months of speculation. While his injury record and inconsistent form made him a divisive figure among fans, Martial was still United’s most experienced forward off the bench—a role that has since been poorly covered.

 

“Anthony was a player with experience and quality, even if he wasn’t playing every week,” Amorim said. “Sometimes, you only appreciate what a player brings when you don’t have them anymore.”

 

In addition, young winger Facundo Pellistri was loaned out to Sevilla in search of regular game time, while Donny van de Beek was also shipped out in a desperate attempt to salvage his career. These departures, while logical on paper, left the bench light and stripped United of rotation options—especially during a period when injuries were mounting and fixture congestion was at its peak.

 

 

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Injuries Exposed the Thin Squad

 

The risk of trimming the squad became painfully obvious when several key players suffered injuries in February and March. Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Højlund all missed extended periods, forcing Amorim to rely on academy players and out-of-position veterans to fill the gaps.

 

“There were moments where we were fielding players out of position not because we wanted to experiment, but because we had no choice,” Amorim admitted. “That’s not how a club like Manchester United should operate during the crucial months of a season.”

 

One notable example came in a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, where Harry Maguire was deployed as a makeshift striker late in the match due to a lack of fit forwards. Amorim has since hinted at the importance of building a squad that can endure a long campaign—especially one that could include European commitments next season.

 

 

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A Summer Rebuild Already in Motion

 

Despite the setbacks, Amorim remains optimistic and insists that the January missteps are being used as lessons for the summer. Talks have already begun with Director of Football Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada regarding recruitment strategy, with a clear focus on reinforcing depth and reducing injury reliance.

 

“We cannot afford another situation where a few injuries break our rhythm,” he said. “We need players who can come in and perform, not just make up numbers.”

 

Matheus Cunha, João Neves, and Jarrad Branthwaite are just some of the names being linked to United as Amorim looks to put his stamp on the team. Youth will also continue to play a big role, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Willy Kambwala expected to be integrated even more into the first-team setup.

 

However, Amorim was quick to point out that young players need to be supported, not overburdened.

 

“Kobbie is fantastic, but he’s still just a teenager. He needs help. He needs a structure around him, not pressure to carry the team every week,” Amorim said, in what many fans took as a subtle jab at the lack of midfield signings in January.

 

 

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The Bigger Picture: Stability Over Short-Termism

 

Amorim’s honesty about the January risk also reflects a broader philosophical shift he wants to bring to Old Trafford: sustainable, long-term planning over short-term panic buys. For too long, United have operated in a cycle of reactionary spending and half-measured rebuilds. Amorim, drawing from his success at Sporting CP, is focused on building a cohesive unit—one that won’t crumble when things don’t go perfectly.

 

“The club has had many managers and many ideas over the past few years. My job is to bring consistency, not just quick fixes,” he said. “But for that, we need to avoid decisions that weaken us in the name of future planning. The future starts now.”

 

 

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Fan Frustration and Boardroom Pressure

 

While Amorim’s comments have been received with appreciation by fans for their transparency, there’s no denying the underlying tension at board level. The Glazer family, still in partial control, are said to be pushing for Champions League qualification to meet revenue targets. Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS team is demanding financial discipline and a sustainable recruitment model.

 

Amorim, caught in the middle, is trying to walk a tightrope—balancing expectations with realism.

 

“We’re not here to spend for the sake of spending. We’re here to build. But that means accepting that certain risks we took before I arrived must not be repeated.”

 

 

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Conclusion: A Lesson Learned the Hard Way

 

As Manchester United look to end the season on a high and gear up for what promises to be another busy summer, Amorim’s comments serve as both a warning and a rallying cry. January’s decisions may have set the club back, but they’ve also clarified what needs to change going forward.

 

“You learn more from setbacks than success,” Amorim concluded. “Now we know what we must fix. And we will fix i

t.”

 

 

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