Manchester United
Amorim signals compromise on system as transfer strategy at United focuses on long term
Amorim said he may adapt his system, raised funding concerns and refused to discuss transfer plans
Ruben Amorim has reopened questions about Manchester United’s recruitment and tactical direction after a public line of questioning over his ability to deliver a preferred 3-4-3. On Christmas Eve he suggested the ideal system would require significant investment and time. “I have the feeling that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3 we need to spend a lot of money and need time,” he mused. “I’m starting to understand that is not going to happen so maybe I have to adapt.”
Those comments were not immediately at the centre of attention amid concern over Bruno Fernandes’s injury, but Amorim moved to a 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Subsequent remarks that there have been no transfer discussions ahead of the January window refocused scrutiny on his suggestion that funds for a rebuild are limited. United spent in excess of £200 million ($269.3 million) over the summer on a new-look frontline but a midfield addition remains an acknowledged need, and Amorim has repeatedly sought a new wingback suited to a 3-4-3.
When pressed at a prematch press conference by The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson about why he appeared to only now accept the club could not supply the players he had originally envisaged, Amorim declined to elaborate and hinted at talks with the club’s director of football. Jamie Jackson: “You said you’re starting to understand that to play 3-4-3, you [need] a lot of top players and that’s not possible. Can I ask why you never realised that when you first came into the club?”
Ruben Amorim: “I don’t want to talk about that. I just focus on the Leeds game.”
JJ: “That’s interesting. It’s not like you not to talk. Do you regret saying it, maybe?”
RA: “No, no, no. But I don’t want to talk about it.”
JJ: “I’m going to try one more time—it seems mystifying why you would say a year in, that you only just realised you wouldn’t be able to get [enough] top players. Has something changed with regard to what you were told, or did Jason Wilcox talk to you?”
RA: “I don’t want to talk about that.”
A club press officer intervened and Amorim concluded the exchange: “You are very smart, so…”
Amorim has specified the profile he wants: a wingback with the attacking potential of Amad Diallo but inverted on the left. Links have been made with Sporting CP’s Salvador Blopa, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Köln’s Said El Mala, but reporting indicates January is likely to be used to prepare for summer targets rather than to fund immediate short-term fixes. The Athletic says the winter window will be a period for Wilcox and his recruitment team to lay the foundations for permanent acquisitions next summer.
Manchester United
Raspadori Deal and Amorim Exit Leave Zirkzee More Likely to Remain at Manchester United
Roma’s Raspadori move and Amorim’s exit leave Zirkzee more likely to stay at Manchester United. 2026
Roma’s reported pursuit of Giacomo Raspadori and the sudden change of management at Manchester United have increased the chances Joshua Zirkzee stays at Old Trafford this month. The 24-year-old forward struggled for game time in the first half of the season and had been widely tipped to move to find the consistent minutes required to push for a place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Roma director Ricky Massara admitted the club’s interest in Zirkzee cooled after United’s managerial change. “[Zirkzee] is a Manchester United centre forward liked by many clubs, not just us,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia earlier this week. “Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management, there are no contacts in progress, but I wouldn’t focus on individual names.” He added: “It’s true there are negotiations in progress with both Atlético Madrid and Raspadori.”
Sky Sport Italia subsequently reported Roma have quickly reached agreement with Atlético to sign Raspadori on loan with an option to buy. The move requires the player’s acceptance, and any pursuit of Zirkzee would be abandoned if the Raspadori deal proceeds.
Zirkzee’s involvement for United has risen since the November international break, after barely featuring in the first three months of the season. He was called upon by Darren Fletcher in the first game after Amorim’s sudden departure and has played some part in each of the last 10 Premier League fixtures, registering direct goal involvements in two of the last three. He is still typically used from the bench.
Another factor working against an immediate exit is the expectation no new signings will be made in January. Amorim made the club’s stance clear in December and his departure has not altered that position: “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution. We are short. Even with the full squad, we are short for something that can happen.”
United were believed to have been keen on Antoine Semenyo because of his £65 million release clause, but after the goalscoring winger chose Manchester City the Red Devils withdrew and decided against spending on an alternative. Funds are intended to be held for the summer window, when a central midfielder is the priority target.
Burnley
United Leave Turf Moor Frustrated After Šeško Double Is Cancelled Out
United dominated but drew 2-2 at Turf Moor after an Ayden Heaven own goal and Anthony reply. in vain
Manchester United left Turf Moor with a draw after a 2-2 result against Burnley, a game in which they dominated possession but failed to turn control into three points. The match swung wildly: an Ayden Heaven own goal put Burnley ahead at half-time, Benjamin Šeško struck twice after the interval to put United in front, and substitute Jaidon Anthony levelled to deny the visitors victory.
United began well and the away support were audible as they sang Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s name amid talk of a possible interim return. Early openings arrived but were not taken, and Burnley capitalised against the run of play when Bashir Humphries’ cross took a deflection off Heaven and looped over Senne Lammens.
After half-time Šeško changed the game. Fernandes slipped him in for an instinctive finish six minutes after the restart, and a second followed from Patrick Dorgu’s precise cross, Šeško guiding the volley into the net. United looked to have done enough, but Lisandro Martínez failed to close down Jaidon Anthony, who turned and fired the home side’s first shot on target into the corner.
Player contributions were mixed. Bruno Fernandes returned to the starting XI and set up the first Šeško goal before being substituted at 61 minutes. Patrick Dorgu impressed on the left, and Šeško converted two instinctive finishes to double his season tally. Ayden Heaven was unfortunate to be credited with the own goal and had a glaring chance to make amends later.
Substitutes included Mason Mount (61’), Leny Yoro (61’), Joshua Zirkzee (74’), Kobbie Mainoo (74’) and Shea Lacey (84’), with Lacey coming close to a late breakthrough. Unused subs were Altay Bayındır, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Jack Fletcher.
Key match statistics underlined United’s control: possession 68% to 32%, expected goals 0.85 to 0.06, total shots 12 to 2 and shots on target 6 to 0. In the end United will view this as two points lost after a performance that produced control but not the result.
Manchester United
Fletcher Reinstates 4-2-3-1 as Fernandes Returns and Ugarte Is Recalled
Fletcher returned a familiar 4-2-3-1 to Manchester United, restoring Fernandes and recalling Ugarte.
Darren Fletcher has reverted Manchester United to a 4-2-3-1 shape after taking charge on a temporary basis. The change mirrors the system Fletcher has used all season in his main role as U18s manager and represents a clear departure from the setup deployed under Ruben Amorim.
Amorim had argued shortly before leaving that he could not alter his formation amid external pressure because it would have undermined his position. He did make a switch for Boxing Day’s 1–0 victory over Newcastle United but returned to a 3-4-2-1 for the two subsequent games, both draws.
The starting XI announced for the Wednesday trip to Turf Moor suggested a conventional back four: Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw at full back, with Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez at centre back. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were named as the midfield partnership. Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu were selected on the wings, with Bruno Fernandes in the No. 10 slot behind Benjamin Šeško.
For much of this season, Amorim had overlooked Ugarte and routinely selected Fernandes as a central midfielder alongside Casemiro. That approach moved Fernandes deeper and reduced his presence higher up the pitch, placing additional responsibilities on the captain.
Fletcher’s decision restores Fernandes to a more advanced role after the player returned to fitness following a rare injury absence that saw him miss each of Amorim’s final three games. Equally notable is the immediate recall of Ugarte to the starting lineup, a selection that signals a shift back towards a double pivot in midfield.
Expectation that Fletcher would make tactical changes in his caretaker role has been met with decisive action. Re-adopting a familiar 4-2-3-1 and balancing the midfield with Casemiro and Ugarte reflects both Fletcher’s recent work with the academy and an attempt to free Fernandes to operate as the team’s primary creator.
