Ruben Amorim hints at January moves: Manchester United eye Semenyo and a midfield upgrade

Ruben Amorim has opened the door to Manchester United acting in January, saying it is possible the club will do something. He also joked that if a back four is required, he will switch to a back four. The messaging is firm and pragmatic. Targets discussed around the club include Antoine Semenyo to boost the forward line and a dynamic midfielder such as Carlos Baleba, with Ruben Neves also admired for his passing range. From my time in dressing rooms, these are the exact profiles you add mid season to change the rhythm. It feels like United are gearing up to move.

During a media availability ahead of the next Premier League fixture, Ruben Amorim indicated openness to January business, noting squad shape could shift to a back four if recruitment fits. Club communications in recent days have kept focus on the upcoming league test, while internal discussions have centered on adding direct running up front and control in midfield. The tone around the camp is that options are on the table and decisions will be made swiftly if the right profiles become attainable.

🚨 🗣️ Rúben Amorim on January plans for Manchester United: “It’s possible we do something”

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a football point of view, this is the right time for Manchester United to be decisive. A forward like Antoine Semenyo offers direct running, aggressive pressing and back post threat. He thrives on quick transitions and carries into the box, which can add punch to a team that often builds well but lacks the final thrust. You do not need him to reinvent the attack, you need him to tilt tight games. That is classic January value.

In midfield, two paths make sense. Carlos Baleba gives legs, ball-winning and progressive carries from deep. He fits a modern high energy double pivot and would raise the floor of United’s out of possession game. Ruben Neves brings instant control and tempo, particularly against mid and low blocks. In the short window of winter, certainty can trump potential. If costs and availability align, a short to mid term solution like Neves can stabilize everything behind the forwards.

Tactically, a switch to a back four is not a slogan. It changes pressing triggers, full back heights and the roles of the 8s. Amorim’s flexibility matters because it says the recruitment will lead the shape rather than the other way round. If the club lands a runner like Semenyo plus a ball winner, United can push higher and compress matches. If it is a passer like Neves, expect controlled pressure and more patient circulation. Either way, the squad gets a clearer identity.

Reaction

The mood among supporters is upbeat and urgent in equal measure. Many are calling for a forward who presses and stretches the game, with Semenyo repeatedly mentioned as the sensible, attainable option. Others are adamant a midfielder must arrive now, not in June, arguing the team has been short of a reliable partner to balance the structure and protect the back line. There is a split between fans who prefer a young profile like Baleba and those who want a ready made controller like Ruben Neves.

Amorim’s willingness to change shape is being received well. A back four gives fans a mental picture of more control and better spacing for the 8s. Some point to how well young midfielders have been handled this season, using that as evidence that a new signing would be integrated without blocking development. The Champions League push keeps coming up in comments. The belief is simple: add two pieces in January and the spring run will look very different. That confidence, from what I am hearing, is starting to seep back into the ground on matchdays.

Social reactions

I fucking hope so. We desperately need a midfielder.

Richard Carlisle Duke👹🇧🇧🇾🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Dukeofw4)

I'm not asking for too much, just give me Semenyo and Ruben Neves in January, then give me Anderson/Baleba next summer.

UF (@UtdFaithfuls)

Talking to Semenyo, talking to Andersons camp, already agreed everything with Baleba which we could try to push for again in January if we get Semenyo and Anderson/Baleba itll get us over the line for champions league football then push hard in the summer for other targets

Taj (@TajTigerSingh21)

Prediction

Short term, I expect United to prioritize a forward first. Semenyo is realistic in fee, homegrown, and stylistically aligned with a front that needs direct power rather than another facilitator. That move can land early if talks move from exploratory to concrete. If that domino falls, attention turns to midfield, where the market tends to open late in January. A younger profile like Baleba would require a persuasive pitch and strong terms, while a proven passer like Neves could become viable if his club decides a mid season sale or loan makes sense.

Tactically, a back four is the likely default once reinforcements arrive. It allows full backs to step high and creates cleaner lanes for the 8s to press. Expect hybrid looks too, with an asymmetric full back tucking in to form a temporary back three in build up. In games where United need extra control, the manager will pair a destroyer with a metronome and keep the wingers wide to pin full backs. If the club secures one forward and one midfielder, the run in sets up for a tangible climb up the table and a stronger grip on European qualification.

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Conclusion

I like the clarity of the message. When a manager says recruitment can shape the system, it tells the dressing room that roles will be built around strengths. From experience, that lifts players. Semenyo gives immediate movement without the ball and nuisance value that centre backs hate. A midfielder, whether it is a runner or a passer, adds the platform that has been missing in tight matches. The margins in winter are thin, so adding certainty in two key zones can flip results fast.

The January market is never easy, but United are positioning themselves well. Identify the profiles, move early on the attainable piece, then take what the market gives you for the second. If the club executes, a back four base with fresher legs up front will make United look more assertive and less reactive. That is how you change the narrative in February and March. The door is open. Now it is about walking through it.