Man Utd news: Ruben Amorim dealt transfer blow as star's actions speak volumes

The anticipation is building at Manchester United with Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge now just five days away. The Portuguese boss will be in the dugout on Sunday when the Red Devils go to Ipswich in the Premier League, and has had the benefit of being able to get familiar with his squad during the international break.

Amorim actually takes the reins with the club unbeaten in their last four games under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. But the Dutchman has since departed Old Trafford, with the new man immediately putting his own stamp on the club by employing a whole new coaching team.

Speculation is already mounting over what transfer targets United will now chase in January, with a number of names already linked.

Express Sport rounds up the latest news from Old Trafford….

Amorim must deal with ‘modest’ transfer budget

Erik ten Hag spent more than £600million on players during his two-and-a-half-years in charge, with many signings yet to justify their large fees. And now INEOS are seemingly determined not to let Amorim make the same mistakes and are set to limit what their new man can spend in January.

According to the Telegraph, Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes the current United squad is good enough to challenge the elite both domestically and in Europe. And he wants the club to now build with what they have rather than sanction an overhaul – meaning Amorim will only be given a ‘modest’ sum to spend.

The development will come as a blow to Amorim, who is renowned for his 3-4-3 formation. He was expected to bring in new personnel in order to fit in with his system, a stark contrast to the 4-2-3-1 United regularly played under Ten Hag.

Martinez makes a statement

Lisandro Martinez is reportedly returning to Manchester early in a bid to impress his new manager. The centre back had been selected by Argentina to face Peru and Paraguay in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but had to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury against Leicester.

According to the Daily Mail, the 26-year-old had been given permission to instead stay with his family in South America until next week. The next international break is not until March, meaning foreign players are unlikely to be able to return home for four months.

However, Martinez has turned down the opportunity, and instead wants to play a part in training this week. His statement of intent will impress Amorim, with Bruno Fernandes also back at Old Trafford early after Portugal sealed top spot in their UEFA Nations League group with a game to spare.

United make Pogba decision

Paul Pogba will not be permitted to train at Manchester United as he looks for a new club. The Frenchman is back eligible to play professional football after his four-year doping ban was reduced, but has had his contract terminated by Juventus.

It led to reports his former club would help him out by allowing him to return to Carrington to build-up his fitness. However, according to talkSPORT, club bosses have firmly rejected the idea of welcoming Pogba back.