With AFCON starting and the January transfer window looming, Ruben Amorim has some big decisions to make ahead of the busy festive period
Manchester United are scheduled to face in-form Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils had to settle for a 4-4 draw with Bournemouth last time out at Old Trafford.
After coming under a lot of pressure due to poor results at the beginning of this season, Amorim has now found some stability in a team that currently has 26 points and is in contention for one of the Champions League spots. The Villans are on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions, so their trip to Villa Park is expected to be difficult.
Amorim’s task will become even more difficult as some of his key players depart for the African Cup of Nations. But difficult times can bring positive change, and Amorim hopes that will happen.
With just over a week to go until the January transfer window, United’s hierarchy have been given a chance to revamp their squad. Mirror Football looks at three key decisions United’s head coach could make in the coming weeks.
read more: Ruben Amorim disagrees with Sir Alex Ferguson’s opinion on Man United predictionsread more: Bruno Fernandes talks about partnership with Marcus Rashford as Manchester United face transfer decision
formation change
In the roller-coaster draw against Bournemouth, Amorim introduced a completely different version of the 3-4-2-1 system from which he rarely deviated during his one-year tenure. On the right, Amad played further forward than left wing-back Diogo Dalot, who is closer to a traditional left-back position.
Lenny Yolo therefore played the role of right-back while Amad tucked inside as a midfielder and occasionally returned to right-wing-back. Amorim admitted after the game that he was working on a different form at Carrington.
That means the formation for Sunday’s game against Aston Villa could be closer to a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 again. The Portuguese admitted last week that United would have to make changes if Amad, Brian Mbeumo and Nouseir Mazrawi leave for this weekend’s African Cup of Nations.
Given these departures and Casemiro’s suspension, United could face Unai Emery’s side with the following starting XI: Dalot, de Ligt, Martinez, Shaw. Ugarte, Fernandez, Mainu. Mount, Sesco, Cunha.
Top priority transfer
Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo is United’s top transfer target ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports. The Red Devils could be in a four-way battle with Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City for the winger, with his £65m release clause kicking in early next month.
Semenyo, 25, was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but United’s interest was dampened by Bournemouth’s £80m offer. But Amorim remains a huge fan and even described Semenyo as a “special player” before the draw with the Cherries.
If United are successful in signing the Ghanaian in January, he could be used as a left winger in a 4-3-3, given that Dalot was not convinced of the role, or he could be a solution to the left wing-back problem in a 3-4-2-1.
Importantly, Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON means Semenyo will remain eligible for selection at his new club until January if he signs.
cut dead trees
United could also be active in the transfer market to fund the acquisition of top talent. It is reported that the club will listen to offers for underperforming players such as Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Tyrell Malasia in order to bring in new additions.
Malasia was part of United’s ‘bomb squad’ who trained away from the first team in the summer but were unable to secure a move. Although he was on the bench several times, he has not been able to get on the pitch and is likely to leave in January.
Zirksee has barely adapted to English football since his £36.5m move from Bologna in 2024. Ugarte has been a similar disappointment since his £42m move from PSG around the same time, and both players could be listed for a move.
Koby Mainu, 20, may also be considering leaving his boyhood club after failing to establish himself in Amorim’s starting XI. His request for a loan move in the summer was turned down, and growing frustration over a lack of playing time has been a continuing theme this season.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
