Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United 'took a risk' in January window that 'hurt the squad'
Man Utd signed two players in the January transfer window and allowed others to leave.
Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United 'took a risk' in the January transfer window when they allowed two forwards to leave on loan without replacing them. United signed defenders Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven during the winter window, but did not manage to replace either of the attacking duo Marcus Rashford or Antony when they left the club on loan.
The two forwards have both enjoyed success away from the club, and United hope to sell the pair permanently in the summer transfer window. It meant a United squad already lacking firepower lost two options, something they will look to address in the summer with the additions of Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap.
Amorim is well aware it was a gamble to let two forwards leave the club midway through a season without managing to replace them, but believes the short-term 'hurt' could benefit them in the long term.
Manchester United took transfer risk
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to face AFC Bournemouth this weekend, Ruben Amorim was asked the simple question of why Manchester United are so low in the Premier League table.
"We lack a lot of things in the team. And then, you never saw this in Manchester United, but you saw it with the big teams. We saw with Milan in the past, with a lot of problems, big teams that when you get inside, in one context, it's really hard. And then I understand that in January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Anthony, we lost these players. and we didn't bring new ones - was a risk.
"But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score more 10 goals this season. We are trying to do something more important. We can hurt the squad now, but in the future is going to help the club. So I think we are in that path."
Asked if he had to convince the football hierarchy to approve the exits of both Rashford and Antony on loan, he added: “That is clear. And like I said, in that moment, it was my idea, but I tried to help the team and sometimes helping the players that need something different, that's all.”