Ruben Amorim ‘wants to make ex-Premier League star’ his first Man Utd signing in January
Ruben Amorim is set to take over as Manchester United manager after the international break, succeeding Erik ten Hag. He will complete his final games with Sporting CP before officially leading United in their match against Ipswich Town on November 24.
According to *El Nacional*, Amorim has already prioritized defensive reinforcements, with former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, currently at Barcelona, as his primary target for the January transfer window. Amorim reportedly sees Christensen as crucial to stabilizing United’s defense, citing the Danish defender’s experience and solidity as valuable assets. Since joining Barcelona in 2022, Christensen has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, which may open the door for a potential move to Old Trafford.
Before beginning his Manchester United tenure, Amorim faces two more matches with Sporting, including a Champions League showdown against Manchester City. When asked about the potential implications of defeating Pep Guardiola’s team, Amorim downplayed the idea of being seen as a hero by United fans, stating, “My focus is on winning the match for Sporting.” He expressed caution about the expectations that could arise from a victory, noting that it’s premature to draw conclusions about his upcoming role at United.
Amorim acknowledged that facing Manchester City will be a learning experience and shared that witnessing Guardiola’s tactics in person could offer valuable insights for future encounters in the Premier League. “One thing is to watch on TV; another is to see it live,” he remarked, looking forward to gaining a clearer perspective ahead of his new challenge with United.
Rúben Amorim’s upcoming role as Manchester United manager brings a mix of strategic focus and caution. Set to take over from Erik ten Hag after the international break, Amorim has already identified defensive stability as a top priority, with Andreas Christensen, the Barcelona defender, as his main target for January. Amorim sees Christensen’s experience as a key component in strengthening United’s backline, especially given the defensive vulnerabilities United has experienced recently. Christensen’s limited playing time at Barcelona, partly due to injuries, might make a move feasible.
Before officially taking charge, Amorim will coach Sporting CP in two final games, including a high-profile Champions League matchup against Manchester City. He has downplayed the idea of being a “hero” to United fans should Sporting defeat Guardiola’s side, emphasizing his focus on Sporting and cautioning against building premature expectations. He views this encounter with Guardiola’s team as a valuable learning opportunity, noting that analyzing Guardiola’s tactics in person will be instrumental for his upcoming Premier League challenges.
Amorim’s measured approach and commitment to tactical learning could bring a fresh perspective to Manchester United as they look to recover from recent struggles.
