Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has pretty much ruled out any new signings in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window. This isn’t just about money, it seems. Amorim stressed that unless he and director of football Jason Wilcox get on the same page, there won’t be any new faces. He told ESPN that “no conversations” are even happening right now about potential additions.
No Common Ground, No New Players
Amorim is really clear on this. He doesn’t want to make the same old mistakes. The club needs a “clear plan” and certainty for any transfer decisions. United might have space for more players, for sure, but the coaching staff and the board absolutely need to be aligned. And right now, they’re not. There are reportedly some differences with Wilcox, especially over central midfielders. Amorim said United won’t make a signing without “common ground” on targets.
On December 26, 2025, Amorim spoke to Sky Sports about it. He admitted, “I think we can improve [our depth].” He knows the squad could use more depth. “Of course, we have space to have more players, but I think the important thing in our club, is that we have a plan.” But he’s not feeling very optimistic for January moves. This means the squad could stay “lopsided” until at least the summer window.
Sticking to His System Amidst a Slump
The team is in a bit of a crisis, let’s be honest. United suffered a defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford recently. That was their fourth loss in a row across all competitions. This leaves Amorim’s side 14th in the Premier League table. They’re just seven points off the relegation zone. It’s a worrying slide.
One of the big problems is that a lot of players don’t really fit his preferred 3-4-3 system. But Amorim, who’s 39, won’t change it. He’s been using 3-4-3 his whole managerial career. He has to “sell my idea,” he said. He thinks changing it now would make things “even worse.” And he doesn’t want to go back to the 4-3-3 system Erik ten Hag used. “They play in the system they were bought for and were losing,” Amorim pointed out. “So I am going to change to that system? This team was already in problems.”
Sources told ESPN that any January business would depend on players leaving. The club is open to permanent sales or loans. If money somehow becomes available, a new left wing-back would be the main priority. But right now, there are no verified deals or confirmed targets. Just some rumors, like Jean-Philippe Mateta, but nothing official.
Player Futures: Mainoo, Zirkzee, Maguire
So, while new players aren’t coming, what about those already here? Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has dismissed ideas that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will leave. Both players have been linked with exits. Mainoo, who started for England in the Euro 2024 final, hasn’t started a Premier League game since May. That’s a real shame. He’s only played 228 minutes this season. Zirkzee has played even less, just 90 minutes.
Amorim understands their frustration. The World Cup is coming up, and they want to play. But he insists the club comes first. “I understand that [players want to leave] but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season,” Amorim told Sports Illustrated. He gets it, he was a player too. But United needs squad depth.
And then there’s Harry Maguire. He’s actually raised some doubts about his own future. After scoring a winner against Liverpool, he got a bit reflective. “I’m in my last year now, so this could be the last time I played at Anfield for this club,” he noted. Maguire’s contract runs out in June. There’s been talk of an extension, but with a lower salary. Manuel Ugarte, a £50.7 million signing, is also struggling for minutes. Amorim admits Ugarte is “struggling in the moment” and needs to adapt.
It’s pretty clear the January window is going to be quiet for Manchester United. Amorim’s focus is on getting the best out of the players he has. And that’s pretty much it. The team now faces a daunting trip to Anfield to play league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Govind Singh 
Annsly Raena