Manchester United ‘trying everything’ to sign players, says Ruben Amorim

United head into the final day of the transfer window with speculation that they will further strengthen Amorim’s squad, even though insiders are playing the prospect down.

Deals for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku are regarded as unlikely. Although, after spending £25m on Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu and signing Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven in the last 48 hours, it is not entirely clear whether the club would have to sell players in order to fund further signings.

“We are trying everything to improve the team without making the mistakes of the past and also trying to balance the urgency of the moment,” said Amorim.

“We know all of the aspects of our club in the moment but we are trying everything.

“This market is really hard on clubs to make some deals. I want to improve the team so badly. I know what the team needs. Sometimes it’s possible, sometimes it’s not. When the window closes we will see the players that we have.”

It is evident United need something to give them a lift.

They have now lost five of their last six Premier League home games under Amorim.

Incredibly, that means Amorim has lost more league games at Old Trafford than Jose Mourinho (four) in two-and-a-half years as United manager, and as many as Louis van Gaal (five) in his two seasons.

Yet there is trepidation about United’s ability in the transfer market. Antony, signed from Ajax for £81.3m, has already joined Real Betis on loan. Tyrell Malacia, who cost £13m in 2022, also looks set for a move away from Old Trafford.

Neither has proved to be value for money and there are plenty of others in Amorim’s squad about whom the same accusation could be levelled, which is why the club’s Profit and Sustainability position has repeatedly been described as “tight”.