Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that his squad is heading into their most challenging fixture of the season against Liverpool feeling “anxious and afraid.”

The Portuguese tactician has been working tirelessly to boost morale at Old Trafford following a dismal run of form that has seen United suffer five defeats in their last six matches, leaving the team languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table.

Facing an in-form Liverpool side, many United fans dread a repeat of the infamous 7-0 thrashing suffered at Anfield two seasons ago. Amorim candidly described his players’ mental struggles, stating:

“They are anxious and sometimes afraid on the pitch. We have to deal with that. The leaders need to step up and support the team, and I take full responsibility for improving our performances.”

Amorim acknowledged that his players are putting in effort but often struggle to express themselves due to their lack of confidence.

“You can see they are trying, but their anxiety sometimes stops them from playing the football we want. Over the past two days, we’ve focused on the basics, sticking to our philosophy, and finding our rhythm again.”

Despite the tough times, Amorim expressed gratitude for the fans who continue to support him.

“The supporters are understandably frustrated, yet it’s humbling to hear them chant my name. I’m giving my all to help the club, and while it’s hard to see now, I’m confident we’ll turn this around.”

Reinforcements and Setbacks
United will welcome back captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Manuel Ugarte, both of whom were unavailable for Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle due to suspensions. However, Marcus Rashford is unlikely to feature due to illness, further complicating Amorim’s preparations.

A Testing Period for Amorim
Reflecting on his short yet turbulent tenure at Old Trafford, Amorim humorously noted the toll the role has taken on him.

“You can see it in my face—compare how I looked when I arrived to now!” he joked. “There’s a lot of pressure, but training with the players keeps me going. Having my family here now has also been a big support.”

As United prepare to step into the cauldron of Anfield, Amorim’s rallying cry to his players and leaders will be key to their performance. A positive result could reignite their faltering campaign, but the task at hand could hardly be more daunting.

Manchester United are reportedly open to considering offers for Marcus Rashford, despite the player’s apparent reluctance to move to the Saudi Pro League. The England international, who remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, has attracted attention from Saudi clubs willing to offer a staggering £35 million per year—a sum that would more than double his current weekly wages of over £300,000. However, Rashford has made it clear he has no intention of leaving for the Gulf state.

The forward’s position at United has become uncertain, with head coach Ruben Amorim recalling the 27-year-old to the squad against Newcastle after a period of exclusion. While Rashford has expressed interest in exploring new challenges, Amorim has not ruled out reintegrating him fully into the team’s plans.

United’s willingness to entertain offers for their academy graduate stems in part from the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which the club is mindful of. According to reports, the club could consider a permanent transfer if an appropriate bid materializes. Alternatively, a loan move remains a possibility, provided the interested club is willing to pay a substantial loan fee and cover the majority of Rashford’s high wages.

United have shown flexibility with high-earning players in the past, as demonstrated by Jadon Sancho’s recent loan to Chelsea following a stint at Borussia Dortmund. Sancho’s agreement includes an option for Chelsea to make the move permanent for a reduced fee, provided they achieve a league finish of 14th or higher. With Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the table, a permanent deal seems likely.

When questioned about Rashford’s future, Amorim emphasized the forward’s proximity to first-team action despite not using him during the Newcastle match. “Every player on the bench is close to going on the pitch,” Amorim stated, though Rashford did not make an appearance during the game. The match itself saw United suffer a tough start, conceding twice in the opening 20 minutes.

Amorim also addressed criticism over his decision to substitute summer signing Joshua Zirkzee before halftime. “It was a really tough moment for Josh, and I felt I had to do something for the team in that situation,” Amorim explained. “I don’t like to make those decisions, but in that moment, I was thinking of what the team needed. I’m really sorry for Josh.”

With the January transfer window approaching, Rashford’s future remains uncertain. While he remains an integral part of United’s history and fanbase, the evolving financial landscape and United’s strategic considerations may yet see the forward explore opportunities elsewhere.

Diego Leon, the highly-regarded wonderkid from Cerro Porteño, is on the brink of taking a major step in his football career by joining Manchester United. According to his agent, the young defender is set to undergo his medical examination with the Premier League giants in the coming days.

Manchester United’s interest in Leon was initially reported in December 2024. The club moved swiftly to secure the player’s signature, beating out competition from other European teams keen on his talents. Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that a transfer fee had been agreed upon between United and Cerro Porteño, paving the way for the deal to materialize.

Romano further noted that all the necessary paperwork for the move had been finalized. However, Leon will officially join the Red Devils in the summer of 2025, as he is currently 17 and will celebrate his 18th birthday in April.

Fresh details now reveal that Leon is preparing to travel to England for his medical tests. Paraguayan journalist Bruno Pont reported on X (formerly Twitter), citing an update from Renato Bittar, Leon’s agent. Pont’s post stated: “Speaking with Renato Bittar, he confirmed that in the next few days, he and Diego Leon will head to Manchester, where the player will undergo his medical assessment.”

Upon officially joining Manchester United, Leon will make history as the first Paraguayan player to represent the 20-time English champions. This milestone reflects his rapid rise in the football world. The young left-back made his professional debut for Cerro Porteño in Paraguay’s top division in August and quickly cemented his place in the first team.

Leon’s profile as a player is highly impressive. He possesses a remarkable physical presence for his age, coupled with exceptional technical skills. His ability to advance into attacking areas makes him a potent threat on the left flank. Additionally, his speed and aptitude in one-on-one situations are standout qualities, earning him recognition as one of South America’s brightest emerging talents.

This move aligns with Manchester United’s evolving recruitment strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. The club has increasingly prioritized signing young, promising players who can be developed into future superstars. Leon’s arrival exemplifies this vision.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is gearing up for a significant clash against their arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday, as they continue their domestic campaign.