Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered measured praise for Bournemouth and their manager Andoni Iraola as the Red Devils prepare to host the Cherries at Old Trafford on Monday night. Bournemouth have slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after a poor run of results, but Amorim warned that their recent form does not tell the whole story.

United have recovered in recent weeks, taking seven points from the last nine available and recording away wins at Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory over Bournemouth would see United move into the Premier League’s top four at the end of the weekend.

Amorim also pointed to Bournemouth’s recent success at Old Trafford, noting their 3–0 wins there in consecutive Premier League seasons. He said he was more focused on the way Bournemouth play than on results alone.

“Special. I think the way they play the game like a big team, what he’s doing for some players,” Amorim told his Friday news conference. “I think he’s improving some players, and you can look at that team and they have several players that can play in a high level. That is an amazing job by the manager.”

He added: “I think it’s a top team, top manager with a special player. I don’t look to the results. I look at the way they face every opponent. They press really strong, they are really direct in the game.

“They can play with different options in front and that gives us a lot of options to work, to prepare the game. So I expect, again, a Premier League game that is really tough but we need to win, especially at home, and that is the goal.”

Amorim’s reference to a “special player” could be Antoine Semenyo. United are reported to have strong interest in Semenyo, but completing a move may require triggering the £65 million ($86.9 million) release clause that is active in his contract for most of January. Rival interest from Liverpool and Manchester City complicates any transfer, and there is no guarantee United would prioritise Semenyo over summer midfield reinforcements that may require significant investment.

Manchester United have moved away from reports linking them to former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, with sources indicating the club will not pursue a short-term signing of the free agent this January. A handful of clubs have been named as suitors in Spanish reports, but United’s internal shift in policy has reduced appetite for high-profile, senior additions on large wages.

ESPN, however, insist that is not the case and United have “no interest” in striking a deal for Ramos this winter.

Ramos’s record is noted and respected: five La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, two Ligue 1 triumphs, two European Championships and one World Cup. Still, United’s recent transfer posture contrasts with earlier tendencies to recruit established stars on significant contracts, a route they followed when pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 and when signing Casemiro the following year.

The club has confirmed the club’s highest debt levels in history, a financial context that has prompted a more measured strategy. Rather than chase stop-gap solutions, United plan to prioritise primary targets and to avoid overextending in a January window that is often costly and restrictive.

Big-money options remain possible, but only if the right players become available mid-season. Manager Ruben Amorim has openly requested a new midfielder and wing back, but the club understands winter dealings will be difficult. Candidates such as Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are identified as expensive midfield targets and are expected to be too costly for a mid-season move.

In short, links to Ramos appear to reflect external speculation more than United’s plans. The club will concentrate resources on longer-term objectives and will only pursue expensive additions when circumstances and availability align with that revised strategy.

After a season of inconsistent displays and over £200 million ($268.4 million) spent, Manchester United entered the current campaign without a clear successor in midfield. Manuel Ugarte continues to struggle at Old Trafford, while Kobbie Mainoo has been largely ignored by Ruben Amorim and appears destined for a loan exit. Casemiro’s resurgence has stabilised the engine room alongside Bruno Fernandes, but United still need an energetic midfielder with expert defensive instincts and are keeping a lengthy shortlist.

Matheus Cunha (Age: 24, Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers)
United successfully poached Wolverhampton Wanderers’ prized asset over the summer, Matheus Cunha, but the wider Wolves context offers little encouragement. As things stand, Wolves remain winless in the top flight and United just fired four past them. Cunha’s arrival demonstrates United will look at Premier League options, though a move to Old Trafford could prove a step too great.

André (Age: 24, Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers)
André, plucked from Fluminense in the summer of 2024, impressed at Molineux. FBref ranked him in the 99th percentile for pass completion among Premier League midfielders last season, and in the 89th and 97th percentiles for attempted tackles and recoveries respectively. His energy and experience against top sides are positives, but questions remain over the size of the step to United.

João Gomes (Age: 24, Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Gomes has worked into the Brazil squad and is noted for tenacity and tough tackling. He would represent a cost-effective Premier League option, particularly if Wolves’ struggles persist.

Adam Wharton (Age: 21, Club: Crystal Palace)
Wharton rose rapidly from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 to a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad. He is a composed passer and creator, likened to Paul Scholes, but is not a like-for-like defensive replacement for Casemiro and could command a fee in excess of £100 million.

Angelo Stiller, Elliot Anderson, Conor Gallagher and Éderson also feature on United’s list, each offering distinct profiles. Stiller and Wharton bring passing and ball progression; Anderson offers positional intelligence and versatility; Gallagher provides industry and Premier League experience; Éderson contributes defensive work and suitability to a two-man midfield. United must weigh immediate defensive bite against long-term potential when selecting a successor.