Ruben Amorim says that Manchester United are not holding any conversations related to signing or selling players in the transfer window.
United have held an interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65million ($87.5m) release clause active until January 10. The 25-year-old’s preference is to join rivals Manchester City this month, however, and United only intend to accelerate deals for long-term targets this month, rather than move for shorter-term options.
Ahead of United’s Premier League trip to in-form Leeds United on Sunday, Amorim said that United are not talking to any prospective signings at present.
“The transfer window is not going to change. We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad,” the United head coach said. “There is a process, there is an idea. That is going to continue.
“We are near the places of the Champions League but we are near also eight teams behind us, so let’s focus on the next game, just that.”
Amorim added that none of his fringe players have approached him and asked to leave this month.
Joshua Zirkzee is the subject of interest from Roma, who are keen to sign the Netherlands international on loan with an obligation to buy. Kobbie Mainoo has also attracted interest from Serie A’s Napoli, amid his lack of regular playing opportunities under Amorim this term.
When asked whether any players had spoke to him about potentially leaving in January, Amorim said: “No, nobody. I don’t expect them to come to me to ask [to leave].”
United are expected to once again be without eight first-team players for Sunday’s trip to Elland Road, including Bruno Fernandes. The captain, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are all currently sidelined through injury. Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, having all qualified for the knockout stages with their respective national teams.
“No different issues. We are going to see tomorrow. We have one more training,” Amorim said on his injured players. “I don’t think anyone is going to recover but let’s see.”