Ruben Amorim parted ways with Manchester United having been frustrated in his transfer intentions, but some of his preferred targets could still make sense for the club to pursue
Ruben Amorim looks sad on Manchester United bench
Ruben Amorim may have to watch on as Manchester United move for players he recommended(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
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Just because Ruben Amorim's time as Manchester United manager is over, it doesn't have to mean his work goes to waste. And given the January transfer window is currently open for business, some of his input could be put to good use right now.
The Portuguese tactician was disappointed in his efforts to improve United's squad in places. Part of that was due to a breakdown between Amorim and certain board members, namely director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Following Amorim's dismissal, The Sun reported of seven targets he wanted but were ultimately vetoed by Wilcox and Vivell, who favoured a more data-driven approach. However, there are a few names on the wishlist who could still make sense for the club should they wish to explore them.
Instead of chasing Watkins, United wrapped up a £74million move for the younger Benjamin Sesko, who came with more resale value. And although he hasn't been as prolific as hoped, his recent brace in the 2-2 draw against Burnley was evidence things could be on the up for the Slovenian.
Meanwhile, things are going a lot more smoothly for Senne Lammens, the latest goalkeeper to take on the burden of United's No. 1 mantle. And the former Royal Antwerp stopper has been among United's rare transfer wins of late, showcasing superb shot-stopping ability - and he's had ample opportunity to do so.
Any move for Quenda is now off the table given he's already sealed a £42m move to Chelsea ahead of this summer. However, the other three names currently based in Lisbon could each serve a purpose in Manchester.
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting looks on
Denmark's Morten Hjulmand was ruled Sporting CP's midfield during one of their most successful eras(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
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Namely defensive midfielder Hjulmand, who at 26 fits the age profile of someone who could make an instant impact. The signs suggest Brazil veteran Casemiro will leave Old Trafford and free up significant space on the wage bill this summer, while Manuel Ugarte has struggled to kick on despite his £42m move from PSG.
United have come to rely quite heavily on Casemiro's talents at the base of midfield despite some past wobbles. A Bola has reported Hjulmand has a £69m release clause in his contract that will become valid for a brief period in the summer, though Sporting may be willing to let him leave for as little as £43m due to good conduct.
A player like Diomande isn't quite as high a priority given United already have a couple of promising, young defenders in the first team. However, concerns around the fitness of players like Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire could change that.
Maguire could leave a considerable void in the summer when his contract expires. Shaw's deal is set to run out at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, meanwhile, meaning it may not be long before reinforcements in central defence become a top priority.
Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender #25 Nuno Mendes (R) and Paris Saint-Germain's French goalkeeper #30 Lucas Chevalier (L) celebrate winning the 2025 UEFA Super Cup final football match between Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) and Tottenham
PSG's Nuno Mendes is a highly valued asset in the French capital(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Blopa, 18, would have been an ideal recruit for Amorim's former 3-4-3 system, equally comfortable in a wing-back role as he is in wide midfield. That versatility could still come in handy at United, though he'll be all the harder to get having only recently signed a new deal with Sporting until 2030, complete with release clause that reportedly sits at around £68m.
Dorgu has shown flashes of brilliance cutting in from a right wing role and could be deployed there more permanently in future. Not to mention Mendes is one of Europe's leading talents in his position, who would be a statement for United in re-establishing their status as still being among the global elite.
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