Ruben Amorim is facing a busy January transfer window as he looks to bolster his Manchester United squad for the season ahead after an up-and-down start to his reign, while dealing with the future of Marcus Rashford
Manchester United are set to be a busy club in the January transfer window – with incomings and outgoings – after Marcus Rashford’s bombshell announcement he wants to leave Old Trafford.
It came after the forward was left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad to face Manchester City alongside Alejandro Garnacho, with both players now being linked with moves away from the club.
Amorim will also be eager to bolster his squad for the season ahead after an up-and-down start to his reign since joining from Sporting Lisbon in November.
Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news concerning Manchester United.
Amorim wants to keep Rashford
Despite all the speculation about Rashford that makes his future at Old Trafford seem untenable, Amorim has urged him to stay at Old Trafford and help the club reach their goals.
Rashford was clear that he was keen for a “new challenge” after seeing his career at Manchester United grow stale, but his Portuguese boss said there was already a huge challenge in front of him as he hailed the forward’s “big talent”.
“We have here a new challenge,” he said. “It’s a tough one, for me it’s the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation and I already said this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. This is a really new challenge and the biggest one. I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge,” Amorim said.
“Of course [I want him to stay], because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.
“I was a player, we are a bit selfish, and they are focused on winning their place in the team. so I don’t think he has an impact on the team. It’s the same situation as with all the others, if they train well then I have to make a choice and we will see.”
Five European clubs chasing Garnacho
Another player who could soon find himself out of the door is Garnacho, who was also not included for the 2-1 win at Manchester City on Sunday.
The Argentine has not been as impressive as he was last season and only has three goals and one assist so far this term and after being dropped against City he is reported to have interest from five top European sides.
According to the Daily Mail, Garnacho is no longer seen as “untouchable” at Old Trafford with Bayern Munich, PSG, AC Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona all said to be chasing him.
It’s believed the door to an exit for Garnacho has been “left ajar” though interested parties would need to submit a bid of at least £70million to even tempt United.
The European outlets are said to believe United will be willing to let Garnacho go for the right price and could be tempted to sell him because he resembles a home grown star who could be sold for pure profit.
United “strongly interested” in Mendes
One reported incoming that could arrive at United next month is PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, with the Red Devils reported to have a “strong interest” in the player.
United are in desperate need of more cover at left-back after long-term injuries suffered by Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw this season – with Mendes seen as a realistic target.
Sky in Germany report that Mendes is still being pursued by United officials. It says that PSG are looking to extend the Portuguese international’s deal beyond 2026 but that there are no indications he will agree a new deal any time soon. Amorim has already worked with Mendes at Sporting Lisbon and appears keen to reunite with the player.
Should United fail to get their hands on Mendes, back-up options at left back include Theo Hernandez and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.
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