REVEALED: The Seven Players Manchester United Refused to Sign for Rúben Amorim

Manchester United reportedly blocked seven potential signings for former manager Rúben Amorim, highlighting a clash between the Portuguese coach’s transfer priorities and the club’s recruitment strategy.

Amorim, whose tenure at Old Trafford was brief and challenging, struggled to get the squad to fit his preferred back-three system. Despite some summer reinforcements, the former Sporting Lisbon boss wanted to strengthen the team further, particularly with experienced players who could adapt immediately.

A summer of signings, but not enough

During the summer window, Manchester United brought in Premier League-ready talent to bolster the squad after Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo added much-needed top-flight experience, while Benjamin Šeško and young goalkeeper Senne Lammens were also signed.

According to The Sun, however, Amorim felt these additions did not entirely meet his vision. He reportedly requested seven further players, but the club declined his choices, preferring alternatives. This decision contributed to tensions between the manager and Manchester United’s recruitment team.

The goalkeeper he wanted: Emiliano Martinez

One of the notable players Amorim wanted was Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine international would have brought Premier League experience and reliability between the sticks, which the Portuguese manager valued highly. Instead, the club opted for 21-year-old Senne Lammens, a promising talent but far less proven at the top level.

This decision highlighted a recurring theme under Amorim: a preference for seasoned, battle-tested players over younger prospects. While Lammens has potential, Amorim evidently wanted someone who could command the defence immediately.

Striker priorities: Ollie Watkins over Šeško

In attack, Amorim reportedly favoured Ollie Watkins over Benjamin Šeško. United eventually committed £74 million to the Slovenian striker, but the former Sporting manager believed Watkins, an established Premier League forward, could deliver instant impact.

This mirrors Amorim’s general approach: he prioritised experience and familiarity with the rigours of English football, rather than investing heavily in youth who might need time to adapt.

Left-wing-back: Nuno Mendes his first choice

During the January window, United signed Patrick Dorgu as Amorim’s only addition. However, the manager’s preferred option was Nuno Mendes, his former left-wing-back at Sporting Lisbon. Mendes had enjoyed a stellar season in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign and would have been a costly but high-impact signing.

Sporting connections: Four more players blocked

Amorim’s interest in his former Sporting colleagues extended beyond Mendes. The club reportedly refused to sign Geovany Quenda, Ousmanne Diomande, Salvador Blopa, and Morten Hjulmand, all players the Portuguese coach knew and trusted.

While Quenda eventually chose Chelsea, Diomande remains a potential target for United in the summer of 2026. These requests underline Amorim’s tendency to rely on players he has previously worked with, reflecting a management style similar to Erik ten Hag’s approach with former Ajax stars like Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.

A clash of philosophies

The blocked transfers demonstrate a clear divide between Amorim’s vision and United’s recruitment strategy. While the manager sought immediate impact through experienced players, the club appeared to favour a mix of youth and potential resale value.

This difference likely exacerbated the challenges Amorim faced in implementing his tactical system. His reliance on familiar Sporting players was a natural approach for a coach trying to adapt quickly to a demanding Premier League environment. However, it also highlighted the limitations imposed by United’s transfer policy.

Ultimately, the seven players Manchester United refused to sign for Rúben Amorim reveal both the ambitions and frustrations of the former manager. From Emiliano Martinez to Nuno Mendes and four Sporting alumni, these blocked deals illustrate a manager striving for experience and cohesion in a squad not entirely built for his system.

Whether any of these players could have changed Amorim’s fortunes at Old Trafford remains speculative. What is clear is that the refusal of these transfers added another layer of complexity to an already challenging stint in Manchester.