Ruben Amorim wanted seven players that he didn't end up getting during his time as Manchester United manager, and despite his dismissal, four of those could still make sense
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Ruben Amorim departed Manchester this week(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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Just because Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United manager has ended, it doesn't mean his efforts need to be discarded. And with the January transfer window currently open, some of his insights could still be utilised this month.
The Portuguese strategist faced challenges in enhancing United's squad. This was partly due to disagreements between Amorim and key board members, specifically director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
Following Amorim's departure, The Sun reported seven potential signings he had proposed were ultimately rejected by Wilcox and Vivell, who preferred a more data-driven approach. However, there are a few players on the list who could still be beneficial for the club if they choose to reconsider them.
Amorim reportedly had his sights set on Aston Villa pair Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez, both of whom have established themselves as Premier League stars. However, pursuing either player now seems illogical.
Instead of pursuing Watkins, United finalised a £74million deal for the younger Benjamin Sesko, who offered greater resale potential. Although he hasn't been as prolific as hoped, his recent double in the 2-2 draw against Burnley suggests things might be looking up for the Slovenian.
Meanwhile, Senne Lammens, the latest goalkeeper to step in a United's No. 1, is faring well. The former Royal Antwerp star has been one of United's more recent transfer successes, demonstrating excellent shot-stopping skills - and he's had plenty of chances to do so.
Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez during the Premier League match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Gtech Community Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Brentford, England.
Emi Martinez has been frequently linked with United but is no longer needed at Old Trafford(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Unsurprisingly, Amorim was keen to recruit from his former club Sporting CP to strengthen various areas of his United squad. The Sun suggested his shortlist included interest in winger Geovany Quenda, midfielder Morten Hjulmand, centre-back Ousmane Diomande and versatile wide player Salvador Blopa.
However, any potential move for Quenda is now off the cards as he's already secured a £42m move to Chelsea ahead of this summer. Nevertheless, the other three Lisbon-based players could each fill a role in Manchester.
In particular, 26-year-old midfield anchor Hjulmand fits the age profile of someone who could make an immediate impact. Indications are that Brazilian veteran Casemiro will depart Old Trafford this summer, freeing up significant room on the wage bill, while Manuel Ugarte has struggled to progress despite his £42m transfer from PSG.
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting looks on
Morten Hjulmand reportedly has a release clause in his Sporting contract(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
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United have come to rely heavily on Casemiro in midfield despite some previous hiccups. A Bola has reported Hjulmand has a £69m release clause in his contract that will become active for a brief period in the summer, although Sporting may be willing to let him go for as little as £43m due to good conduct.
A player like Diomande may not be a top priority for United at present given the promising young defenders already in the first team. However, fitness concerns surrounding players such as Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire could change this.
Maguire's contract is set to expire in the summer, potentially leaving a significant gap in the squad. Shaw's deal is due to end after the 2026/27 season, suggesting that bolstering central defence could soon become a key focus.
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
Nuno Mendes would be a statement signing for United, if they could convince the player to leave PSG(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Blopa, 18, would have been a perfect fit for Amorim's previous 3-4-3 formation, being equally adept as a wing-back or wide midfielder. Despite recently signing a new contract with Sporting until 2030, which includes a reported £68m release clause, his versatility could still prove valuable to United.
Finally, Amorim had hoped to secure what would have been an expensive transfer for PSG left-backNuno Mendes. Although Patrick Dorgu has since taken up the left wing-back position at Old Trafford, this move could still have its value.
Dorgu has demonstrated his potential playing on the right wing and could be used more permanently in this role. Furthermore, securing Mendes, one of Europe's top talents in his position, would send a strong message that United remain among the world's elite clubs.