Ruben Amorim has stated that Manchester United is “trying everything” to bolster his squad ahead of the closing of the transfer window, following yet another home defeat. He emphasised, however, that the club will not repeat “the mistakes of the past.”
The 40-year-old expressed that it would not be problematic if Marcus Rashford began finding the back of the net for Aston Villa, especially as his team grapples with scoring difficulties.
Forward Rashford has officially joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season. He acknowledged that his chances of playing were slim if he remained at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old stands just two goals shy of becoming United’s joint-highest scorer for the season despite having not featured in a match since December 12.
United failed to find the back of the net again, suffering a 2-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace. This result leaves them with just 28 goals in the Premier League this season, placing them above only Everton and the bottom three teams: Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton in terms of scoring.
Is it genuinely humiliating? “It is not embarrassing,” Amorim stated when questioned about the possibility of Rashford finding the net for Villa while United faces challenges. “Loaning a player typically comes with the expectation that he will participate and develop, so nothing is degrading about the situation.”
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has matched the total goals scored by Manchester United at home this season, netting the same number on his own.
Rasmus Hojlund has netted seven goals across all competitions, and Joshua Zirkzee has scored four. The duo, valued at over £100 million, were notably absent from Amorim’s starting lineup in the match against Palace, with Kobbie Mainoo chosen to play as a false nine—a trial that concluded without success.
As the final day of the transfer window approaches, United is facing speculation regarding potential additions to Amorim’s squad despite insiders downplaying the likelihood of any moves.
Negotiations for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku are improbable.
In recent developments, the club has invested £25 million in Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu and secured Arsenal’s promising talent Ayden Heaven within the last 48 hours. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether additional player sales will be necessary to facilitate further acquisitions.
“We are exploring all avenues to enhance the team while avoiding previous missteps, and we are also working to balance the urgency of the current situation,” stated Amorim.
“We are fully aware of all facets of our club at this time, and we are making every effort to address the situation.”The current market presents significant challenges for clubs attempting to secure deals. There is a strong desire to enhance the team’s performance. The team’s requirements are clear to me.
The possibility fluctuates; at times, it can be achieved, while at other moments, it remains out of reach. As the window draws close, we will gain insight into the players currently at our disposal.
United requires a boost to enhance its performance
The team has suffered defeat in five of their last six Premier League home matches since Amorim took charge.
Remarkably, this indicates that Amorim has suffered more league defeats at Old Trafford than Jose Mourinho did (four) during his two-and-a-half years as manager of United, and matches the total of Louis van Gaal (five) in his two seasons at the helm.
Concerns are mounting regarding United’s effectiveness in navigating the transfer market. Antony, acquired from Ajax for a staggering £81.3 million, has officially moved to Real Betis on loan. Tyrell Malacia, acquired for £13 million in 2022, appears poised for a departure from Old Trafford.
Both players have failed to demonstrate value for money, and numerous others in Amorim’s squad face similar criticism. This situation has led to the club’s Profit and Sustainability position being characterised as “tight” on multiple occasions.
