Manager also confirmed he is not expecting any departures this window
Ruben Amorim has played down the prospect of Manchester United making any January signings, saying there are currently “no conversations” about changing his squad despite their injuries and absences.
The United head coach distanced himself from suggestions that the club could bring in reinforcements in the winter window and said nothing was moving behind the scenes.
“The transfer window is not going to change,” Amorim said. “We have no conversations at this moment to have any change in the squad. There’s a process, there’s an idea that is going to continue.”
United were interested in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but the Ghana international has since held talks with Manchester City. There is further interest in Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, but none of those deals seem likely to happen in January.
Amorim’s side travel to Leeds United on Sunday sitting sixth in the Premier League, within touching distance of the Champions League places but also conscious of how tight the table remains. United will have to consider whether a key signing or two this winter may be necessary to secure a spot among Europe’s elite next season.
“We are near the places of the Champions League, but we are also near like eight teams behind us,” Amorim said. “So let’s focus on the next game, just that. Our focus is to win the next game.”
The task at Elland Road comes with significant challenges. United are without a number of senior players, including Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire through injury. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Amorim said there have been no positive fitness updates in time for Sunday.
“No different issues, we are going to see tomorrow, one more training,” United’s head coach said. “I don’t think anyone is going to recover but we will see.”
Leeds, meanwhile, arrive in form, unbeaten in six league matches and having moved clear of the relegation zone. Amorim expects a hostile atmosphere at the home ground of their local rivals but insisted United must approach it like any other Premier League test.
“I heard that it’s a big derby, a great environment, a big rivalry,” Amorim said. “But every game in the Premier League is so tough for us. It’s one more game. I know that it means a lot to the fans, but we need to go there and try to win.”
Amorim also dismissed speculation over potential departures, including reports linking Joshua Zirkzee with a move to Roma.
“None have asked [to leave],” he said. “I don’t expect them to come to me and ask anything.”
