Manchester United news round-up as Ruben Amorim refuses to rule out sales and a secret weapon emerges in the bid to sign Antoine Semenyo
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on September 12, 2025 in Manchester, England
Ruben Amorim has insisted 'the club comes first'(Image: Getty Images)
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With just over a month left until the January window opens, Manchester United will look to ramp up their transfer activity in the coming weeks. Ruben Amorim has somewhat steadied the ship at Old Trafford when it appeared increasingly likely that he might be dismissed before reaching his one-year milestone at the club.
But the Portuguese is a well-known pragmatist and will undoubtedly be obsessing over ways in which he can improve his squad as they look to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
That has seen United linked with a host of midfielders over the past week, including Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Their interest reportedly also extends to forwards, namely Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is one of the biggest names being linked with a potential January transfer.
Semenyo transfer plan
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Fulham at Vitality Stadium on October 3, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.
Antoine Semenyo's shirt number is 24 at Bournemouth(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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The Red Devils may look to boost their chances of signing Semenyo in the January transfer window in a creative way. The 25-year-old forward has emerged as one of United’s primary transfer targets, with the club keen to sign the Ghanaian this winter.
Should they choose to activate Semenyo’s reported £65million release clause, one factor may help convince him to join them over other interested sides, such as Tottenham and Liverpool. Semenyo has worn the No.24 shirt throughout his three-year stay on the south coast, which the Red Devils could offer him as a gesture of goodwill.
The number is currently occupied by goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is on loan at Trabzonspor until the end of the season. But given that Onana’s Old Trafford future beyond that remains in doubt, United will have no issue with handing the number over to one of the most sought-after players in the league.
Amorim’s Mainoo verdict
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrate during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for the exit door(Image: 2025 Marc Atkins - Getty Images)
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Amorim has refused to rule out Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee’s departure in January, claiming the interests of the club come first. Neither player has started a game in the Premier League this season, leading to speculation that they could leave in order to boost their own chances of being selected for this summer’s World Cup.
But the head coach insisted that while he sympathises with the pair, he will only sanction moves if they are right for United. "I was a football player," he said. "I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.
"I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means. But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not, I have to think about the team."