Manchester United are preparing to face Leeds United in the Premier League this weekend, with the January transfer window now open for Ruben Amorim’s side
Manchester United are hoping to kick off the New Year on a high as they prepare for a clash with bitter rivals Leeds United this weekend.
Ruben Amorim’s squad is set to reignite their rivalry with the Yorkshire club at Elland Road on Sunday. The start of the year also signals the opening of the January transfer window. United have been linked with several potential deals, both incoming and outgoing, as Amorim looks to bolster his team in their quest for European football next season.
Whether improvements will come from the manager placing greater faith in young talents or reshaping his squad through the transfer market remains to be seen, but United know they must improve after a dreadful 2025. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim trust issue
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confessed that he deliberately refrained from introducing more academy players as his team sought a winning goal against Wolves.
The club had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, with Wolves securing just their third point of the season as United were booed off by frustrated fans, reports the Mirror.
Amorim chose to substitute goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee with young midfielder Jack Fletcher at half-time, with Leny Yoro and newcomer Bendito Mandato entering the fray later in the match.
However, Amorim steered clear of using attacking options Shea Lacey and Chido Obi, believing they would further unsettle his team given United’s extensive list of absentees.
“It’s completely different and you know that when there is a lot of new people in different positions and you put one young kid, he will struggle,” Amorim explained.
“It’s completely different when you have a base, everything is working well and you can give minutes to a young kid. You look at the game and you understand clearly and you see our team and you know that you are going to struggle in certain aspects and I think that was what happened during the game.”
Rasmus Hojlund on United departure
Rasmus Hojlund has disclosed what persuaded him to depart United this summer.
The £72m flop had initially been intent on remaining at Old Trafford before the forward secured a deadline day loan switch to Napoli.
The move has proved fruitful for Hojlund, who has already surpassed his league goal tally from the previous campaign. The 22-year-old, who has netted six times in 12 Serie A appearances, has explained what ultimately convinced him to leave United.
When questioned about his change of heart, Hojlund told Sports Illustrated: “United made it very clear that I wasn’t part of their plans for this year, coming into the season.
“And with no European football, I think Napoli saw an opportunity to go and get me. As soon as I heard of their interest, I made it quite obvious to my camp and the people around me that I only wanted to go there.”