Ruben Amorim Pinpoints 'Ideal' Man Utd Target, Outlines January Transfer Strategy

As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester United's strategy is beginning to take shape. Word from within Old Trafford suggests a defensive midfielder is high on the list of priorities for the club.

According to reports, United's scouting department has been assessing several players, including Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth). These players are believed to be potential additions to strengthen the midfield.

Interestingly, United previously expressed interest in Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba during the summer window. Ultimately, they balked at Brighton's reported £100 million valuation for the Cameroon player, and a deal never materialized. Brighton owner Tony Bloom publicly acknowledged United's interest in Baleba, confirming that the club ended its pursuit after being informed he was not available.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. a surprise move could still be in the cards. Despite the focus on a defensive midfielder, Amorim has indicated that United are prepared to act if the right player becomes available, irrespective of their usual position.

Fueling speculation, reports have surfaced in the Daily Mail linking United with a potential swoop for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. It's understood that Semenyo has a release clause of £65 million that can be triggered within the first two weeks of January.

Adding complexity to United's squad situation is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins imminently and runs until January 18th. Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo have all departed to represent their respective nations of Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon in the tournament.

Despite the temporary absence of these players, Amorim insists that AFCON will not dictate United's transfer activity. He emphasized the club's commitment to a long-term vision, stating that any January signings will be players who fit United's future objectives, rather than short-term fixes to compensate for the AFCON departures.

"The only thing that we will try to bring now – and in the end of the season – are players that are perfect for our future," Amorim stated, looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Aston Villa. "It's not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON. It’s not going to be like that. Even if we try to bring one player, maybe it's not the position that we need more. So I don't know what is going to happen, but it's possible that we can do something."

He added: "I’m just focused on the next game. Let's go step by step. We have a big match. We need to win. We need to try to find different ways of playing, especially without Amad and Bryan. We lost some characteristics that are hard to find.”

United's upcoming fixture against Aston Villa sees them arrive on the back of strong form, having lost only one of their last ten Premier League games. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. a tough challenge awaits at Villa Park, with Unai Emery's team having won their last six league games.

The match also marks Emiliano Martinez's first encounter against United since a potential summer transfer to the club fell through. Martinez was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but United ultimately opted to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead.

When questioned about the decision to sign Lammens, Amorim expressed his satisfaction, saying, “For sure. I’m really happy with Senne. We have a game against Aston Villa. I don't want to commit anything else, just focus on that. I'm really happy with the goalkeepers. I'm really happy to have Senne.”

As the January window looms, Manchester United's transfer strategy remains fluid. While a defensive midfielder is a priority, Amorim's comments suggest that the club is open to opportunities that align with their long-term vision, regardless of position.