Ruben Amorim makes January transfer request

Ruben Amorim has reportedly told the Manchester United hierarchy that a new central midfielder is a “must” in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Red Devils were expected to bolster their options in the middle of the park this summer, following the departure of Christian Eriksen on a Bosman deal, however they opted to retain faith with the existing players at the club after failing to finalise a transfer for Carlos Baleba.

The Brighton & Hove Albion star was earmarked as a key target by INEOS, but an agreement couldn’t be reached with Fabian Hurzeler’s side and Man Utd ultimately opted against signing an alternative before Transfer Deadline Day.

However, Amorim has informed the Man Utd recruitment team that signing a new midfielder should be a priority before the winter transfer window slams shut on Monday 2 February.

That is according to transfer reporter IndyKaila, who posted on X: “Ruben Amorim has told the owners that [an] elite midfielder is a must in January.”

Man Utd to sign a new midfielder?

Man Utd have been linked with a number of central midfielders in recent weeks and it appears as though they have narrowed their shortlist down to Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and the aforementioned Baleba.

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, however it’s understood that Man Utd have pivoted their transfer strategy to targeting Premier League proven players where possible.

This is reportedly a key reason why they opted to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for a combined price of €149.2 million this summer, with both players enjoying a successful start to life at the club.

Although Man Utd are eager to sign a new midfielder in January, Kobbie Mainoo has still been tipped to remain at the club, despite his lack of action so far this season.

The England midfielder is yet to start a Premier League match this term, but Amorim has repeatedly stated that an exit is unlikely to be permitted during the winter window.

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