Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly outlined a clear priority for the January transfer window, as Fabrizio Romano has provided clarity on the club’s midfield plans and their reported interest in Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams.
Despite a run of mixed results — with only two victories in their last seven matches — United currently find themselves sitting sixth in a tightly packed Premier League table.
While performances have been far from convincing, the league’s congestion means the Red Devils remain firmly in the race for European qualification.
Amorim is determined to guide United back into continental competition this season, especially after a hugely disappointing debut campaign that ended with a 15th-place finish.
That outcome placed enormous pressure on both the manager and the club’s hierarchy to correct course quickly.
INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe showed strong backing for Amorim during the summer by authorising spending in excess of £200 million on five new signings.
However, one key area was left unresolved: central midfield. According to reports, this omission has now become Amorim’s top concern heading into January.
A report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the Portuguese coach has personally requested the signing of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.
The former Wolves captain is believed to be keen on a return to elite European football, and Manchester United are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Neves’ contract with the Saudi Pro League side expires at the end of the current season, creating a potentially ideal opportunity for United.
While the club would prefer to complete the deal during the January window, Al-Hilal are reportedly unwilling to sanction a mid-season exit and are under no immediate pressure to sell.
That said, the report suggests United are confident they could secure Neves on a free transfer in the summer should talks collapse in January.
From United’s perspective, that would represent a major coup — landing an experienced, technically gifted midfielder with Premier League pedigree without paying a transfer fee.
Even in Saudi Arabia, it is acknowledged that keeping Neves beyond this season could prove difficult if he is set on returning to Europe.
Alongside Neves, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams has also emerged as a potential option. However, Fabrizio Romano has stressed that while Adams is on United’s radar, he is far from a straightforward target.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that United have compiled multiple midfield shortlists. On one hand, there are elite long-term targets such as Carlos Baleba, João Neves, and Adam Wharton — players considered ideal fits but extremely difficult to sign in January, making summer moves more realistic.
For the winter window, Romano suggested United are more likely to explore opportunistic deals rather than chase near-impossible transfers.
Adams fits that category, but Bournemouth remain determined to keep him. The Cherries view the American international as a vital part of their squad and are reluctant to weaken their midfield midway through the season.
Romano also noted that Bournemouth’s stance is influenced by broader squad considerations, including the uncertain future of Antoine Semenyo, which could also be addressed in January.
For now, Bournemouth are insisting Adams is not for sale, making any move complex in terms of both timing and valuation.
