Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says avoiding the costly transfer mistakes of recent years is crucial to reversing the club’s decline.
The Portuguese coach has struggled to turn around United’s dismal season since taking charge in November, with the Red Devils languishing in 15th place in the Premier League.
Despite spending over £600 million ($760 million) on new players under former manager Erik ten Hag, United’s performances have remained uninspiring.
Limited Resources in January Window
Amorim had little financial flexibility in the January transfer window, with Danish defender Patrick Dorgu being his only signing. The club’s budget constraints have been further underscored by sweeping cost-cutting measures.
On Monday, United announced plans for up to 200 job redundancies as part of a “transformation plan” aimed at stabilizing the club’s finances.
Recruitment at the Heart of United’s Problems
Amorim acknowledged that United’s financial struggles stem from a lack of success on the pitch, which he attributed to poor recruitment decisions.
“It’s easy for me to be here and say all the pretty stuff — we have to improve,” said Amorim.
“The recruitment, I think, is crucial. We need to improve the team. We need to perform better, we need to be in Europe, and not where we are in the table this season.”
However, the former Sporting Lisbon boss admitted that words alone won’t convince fans and club staff that he can change United’s fortunes.
“They [the employees facing redundancies] are paying the price for our lack of success,” Amorim added.
“I cannot say anything now that is going to convince the fans and all the staff that we are going to do it.
“We have an idea. For me as a coach, we need to be a better team, recruit better, and avoid making so many mistakes in that department.”
Striker Struggles Highlight Recruitment Failures
Among United’s costly transfer missteps is the £100 million spent on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have struggled to make an impact.
Holland has managed just two Premier League goals this season, with his last strike in any competition coming against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
Amorim, however, believes the Danish international has potential but needs better support from the team.
“I think it’s clear — we, as a team, are not helping Rasmus,” Amorim said. “We don’t create a lot of chances.
“Rasmus has a lot of potential. If we improve the way we play, he will have more opportunities to score. He came here very young, and when you are very young, being the number nine and playing all the time is sometimes hard.
“He has the ability, he has already shown that here, but I think it’s more of a team issue than a Rasmus issue.”
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