Manchester United are set to face Newcastle at home in Premier League Matchday 18. The second part of manager Amorim’s pre-match press conference has been released—here’s the full transcript of his remarks.
Reporter:
Has a decision been made yet regarding the contract situations of Harry Maguire and Casemiro? Both players’ contracts expire at the end of the season, and we’re now approaching the January transfer window. Usually, if a player has a 12-month extension option like Casemiro’s, it would be triggered around this time. Do you have a clearer view on their situations?
Amorim:
No, there’s no decision yet. We have too many things to handle right now. We first need to understand what might happen over the next few weeks and in the second half of the season—especially with our European commitments, what we’re doing, and how we’ll organize ourselves. So there’s a lot going on, and we haven’t focused on these issues. We’ll consider them later. Right now, the priority is focusing on the next match.
Reporter:
Would you like to keep both players?
Amorim:
I’m very happy with both of them, but I don’t know what will happen next. We’ll assess the situation at the end of the season—see where we stand—and then make a judgment.
Reporter:
Regarding the January transfer window, I think you might be looking for a midfielder. Of course, I’m not asking you to admit it outright, but overall—if the window closes without any reinforcements, would you be disappointed?
Amorim:
No. Of course, we’re going through a difficult period, but the club has a plan—a clear one—and we’ll stick to it. If we have the chance to bring in a player we believe represents the club’s future, he’ll come. If not, we still have Jack (Fletcher), Shai (Shay Lacy), Diogo Dalot will return in three weeks, plus M’Bumo, Bruno will be back, and Kobe Mainoo. So we’ll see how things develop.
Reporter:
I fully understand your view on Jack, but he’s still a young player. In terms of central midfield depth, the situation seems similar to Bruno’s—one unlucky injury could make things very difficult.
Amorim:
One day Kobe Mainoo got injured, then Bruno did. At that moment, we were discussing how Mainoo hadn’t gotten the minutes he deserved—but then his chance came, and he got injured again. Sometimes it’s just bad luck. I think this season we’ve genuinely had some unfortunate moments. When I look at this squad, if we had a full-strength team, I believe I could extract more quality from it. That’s where my focus lies. If we can sign the right player, great; if not, I believe we’ll invest in the summer.
Reporter:
Good afternoon, and merry Christmas. Earlier this year, you mentioned certain issues with the squad—you said you wanted wing-backs with stronger attacking qualities rather than defensive ones. Could you elaborate on that?
Amorim:
Maybe I was referring to Diallo at the time. Using Diallo is completely different from using other players.
Reporter:
This was after your win over Athletic Bilbao (Europa League semifinal). You mentioned that having a left-footed player in the right-sided No.10 role would be helpful, and also reiterated your preference for more attack-minded wing-backs.
Amorim:
Yes, that was about Diallo. Last season, we mostly used Mazraoui and Dalot in that position. But if you play Diallo, it’s an entirely different scenario. I think you’re talking about a game-changing winger-type role. We can adjust our approach in the future—as I’ve always said, and as you often ask me about systems. To play a perfect 3-4-3, we’d need significant investment and time. I’m starting to realize that might not happen, so perhaps I need to adapt. Using Diallo as a wing-back is totally different. Imagine having another player like Diallo on the opposite flank—but right-footed. You could play much more aggressively and completely transform your style within the same system. Last season, when we used Mazraoui and Malacia, it was a totally different setup. That’s what I meant back then.
Reporter:
So you’d like a right-footed wing-back on the left side? Is that the type of player you’re looking for?
Amorim:
I think we’ll certainly need that kind of profile in the future—but it’s not just about playing as a wing-back. It’s about having a more direct, right-footed player like M’Bumo. I believe that’s what our squad needs. Right now, we’re mostly using Mount and Kujawiak—they’re No.10s, not wingers. So I think this is a position we should prioritize going forward.
Reporter:
We’ve asked you about Mainoo many times recently. With the transfer window opening soon, if he came to you asking for a loan move to get more playing time, would you consider it? Or have Bruno’s injury and some players joining international duty changed your mind?
Amorim:
If we don’t bring anyone in, it would be very difficult to let players leave. Even with a full squad, we’re still short in certain areas. This is a club with huge responsibilities, and we’re dealing with all these challenges. In your minds, in my mind, in everyone’s mind—we must win every game, with no excuses. So without alternatives, it’s hard to let anyone go.
Reporter:
If you don’t make signings in January, do you believe this squad can still finish in the top four? You’re only three points behind right now.
Amorim:
That’s a difficult question to answer. What I can say is that we have the potential to achieve more. I believe I can get more out of this team and help it improve. As for the top four—at this club, it’s never as simple as “talent equals results.” Everything surrounding the club is complex—it’s not just about quality. All I’ll say is: if we have a full squad, I believe I can help them play better, and we can become stronger in the future.
Reporter:
You previously mentioned that Bruno’s injury created opportunities for others. Now that he’s returning, is this Mainoo’s moment to seize his chance? After all the “noise” and speculation, is this his opportunity to prove himself on the pitch?
Amorim:
Mainoo will get opportunities just like before. He’s played different positions—we’ve talked about Casemiro’s role, and he can fill it. If we play with three midfielders, he can take Mount’s spot like he did in the last match—he’s capable of those roles. In my view, he will be Manchester United’s future—that’s my feeling. You just have to wait for your moment, because in football, everything can change in two days.
Reporter:
Regarding Casemiro—you’ve played at the highest level and coached elite players. Over the next month or so, you’ll rely on him more than ever. For a player whose contract is expiring and whose future is uncertain, how does he maintain his form and mental balance in such a situation?
Amorim:
It’s not like that at all. I haven’t said whether he’ll stay or leave. When I watch Casemiro train—if everyone trained like him, if everyone focused on details the way he does, whether it’s set pieces or drills, his movement, his understanding of the game, his imagination—if everyone did that, we’d be a top team. When I talk about “work,” I don’t just mean running—I mean focus. You understand why this player has won five Champions Leagues: because you notice every detail he puts into his work. Contract or no contract, he’s always a top-level player.