Amorim offloads Rashford but fails to secure attacking reinforcements, leaving United’s squad exposed

Manchester United’s January transfer window has ended in frustration and uncertainty, exposing the club’s financial struggles and lack of squad depth. Ruben Amorim, facing increasing pressure in his first season at Old Trafford, sanctioned Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa while failing to sign a much-needed striker.

With Rashford exiled, Amorim shockingly deployed teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine in a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a damning statement on his lack of faith in strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

United’s only major signing was 20-year-old Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a £29m deal, alongside England U19 defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Meanwhile, Antony’s disastrous £81m tenure ended with a loan move to Real Betis, a transfer many consider the worst in United’s history.

The club’s financial woes played a major role in their inaction. United, despite being the world’s third-richest club, had to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), preventing them from making a marquee signing without offloading key assets. Talks of selling Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were floated but ultimately rejected.

For United’s suffering supporters, this window only confirms the grim reality—the season has turned into an exercise in damage control. With United sitting 13th in the Premier League after losing five of their last six home games, the pressure on Amorim is mounting.

The club now faces an uphill battle for European qualification, with fans left questioning whether the summer will bring meaningful change or more financial restrictions.