Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is actively pursuing reinforcements following his side’s disappointing defeat to Brighton.

The team’s recent performances had shown glimpses of progress, with a draw against league leaders Liverpool and victories over Arsenal and Southampton suggesting that Amorim might have found his rhythm. However, a crushing 3-1 loss to Brighton has left the 39-year-old reassessing his strategy.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Amorim expressed his frustration, calling this the “worst United team in the club’s history,” emphasizing the urgent need for fresh talent. Now, it appears his demands are starting to gain traction as the transfer deadline looms.

United Close to Signing Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu
One of the key positions United are looking to strengthen is left-back, and Amorim may soon secure his first signing as manager. According to reports from The Athletic, the club is in advanced discussions with Lecce over 20-year-old Danish international Patrick Dorgu.

Dorgu, who has earned four caps for Denmark, is seen as a perfect fit for Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite the progress in talks, there’s a potential hurdle: the youngster signed a new contract with Lecce just a few months ago in October.

The deal for Dorgu is expected to be the first of several signings in this transfer window, as United’s recruitment team ramps up efforts to bolster the squad. Scouts have already been dispatched on missions, including a recent visit to Portugal to monitor talent.

United Scouts Watch Porto Game
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Manchester United scouts were present during Porto’s 3-1 loss to Gil Vicente. The trip marks one of several instances where United’s representatives have been keeping tabs on Portuguese talent.

While the specific target of United’s interest remains unclear, scouts from other clubs, including Southampton, Marseille, Bologna, and Mallorca, were also present at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos. Following the defeat, Porto’s manager faced the sack, adding more intrigue to the situation.

Antony Set for Real Betis Loan
On the outgoing front, Brazilian winger Antony appears close to leaving Old Trafford. After failing to meet expectations since his high-profile move, the 24-year-old is reportedly on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Betis on loan.

As reported by Revelo, Betis has accelerated negotiations for Antony, identifying him as their priority target. Talks have progressed significantly, with the player agreeing to the move. The deal now awaits final approval from United’s hierarchy before Antony can head to Spain for his medical and complete the transfer.

Manchester United have reportedly granted Tyrell Malacia the green light to secure a loan move before the current transfer window closes.

As per reports from VI, the club has communicated to the Dutch defender their willingness to facilitate a temporary move. This decision comes as Malacia continues his recovery journey following a prolonged injury spell, with the loan intended to help him regain peak fitness and form. The ultimate goal is for him to compete for a spot in Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Manchester United’s Left-Back Conundrum
The Red Devils have faced challenges in the left-back position during this transfer window. With Luke Shaw sidelined due to injury, Malacia—who has been out of action for nearly 18 months—only recently returned to contention. The new manager, Ruben Amorim, has been limited in options to cover the left side of defense.

Despite being the squad’s sole natural left-back, Malacia is reportedly free to leave on loan for the rest of the season. At 25 years old, he may struggle to secure sufficient game time under Amorim, as the club prioritizes his fitness and match readiness. A loan move would provide the regular minutes necessary for him to rediscover his form.

Interest from Top European Clubs
While Manchester United is open to offers, Malacia’s potential destination remains uncertain. Several prominent European clubs are rumored to be monitoring the situation.

Italian powerhouse Juventus is among the interested parties, as they contend with Juan Cabal’s injury and the possibility of Andrea Cambiaso’s departure, with Manchester City reportedly pursuing the latter.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund has also shown interest in Malacia in the past. However, their current focus appears to be on securing Chelsea’s Renato Veiga or Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko. Despite these pursuits, Malacia could still emerge as a viable option for the German side.

For now, it remains to be seen whether Tyrell Malacia will secure a move to reignite his career and return stronger to Manchester United.

Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim praised Amad Diallo’s stunning hat-trick performance, which turned a looming defeat into a 3-1 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford. Amad’s exploits further cemented his status as United’s standout player this season.

Dependence on Amad Ahead of Brighton Clash

Amorim acknowledged that Amad will play a key role again in the upcoming match against Brighton on Sunday. The winger’s hat-trick rescued United from what could have been a humiliating loss against a Southampton side languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just six points this season.

Amad’s late-game heroics began with an equalizer in the 82nd minute, followed by a go-ahead goal in the 90th, and concluded with his third—making him the first United player since Cristiano Ronaldo in April 2022 to net a hat-trick.

“I didn’t say anything,” Amorim revealed when asked if he spoke to Amad in the dressing room. “Tomorrow, I’ll tell him to rest, eat well, and prepare for Sunday. We need him again.”

Amorim emphasized the importance of staying focused. “He did a fantastic job. It’s a great moment for a young player to score a hat-trick for a club like this. But he needs to focus on the next match. This game is already in the past.”

Managing Young Talent

Amorim was cautious about placing too much pressure on the 20-year-old. “We have to be careful with young players. He’s having an excellent season, but there’s still a lot for him to improve. Congratulations to him and the team. Tonight, we celebrate, but tomorrow we recover and prepare for Brighton.”

A Game of Missed Chances

The match wasn’t without its struggles for United. An own goal by Manuel Ugarte gave Southampton a deserved lead at halftime. Despite dominating possession, United struggled to find the net for nearly five hours of play at Old Trafford, until Amad broke the drought with his late equalizer.

Half-time substitute Antony missed a golden opportunity early in the second half, steering Alejandro Garnacho’s cross straight at goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from close range. However, Amad’s heroics salvaged the night.

Lessons to Build On

Reflecting on the game, Amorim admitted the team still has a long way to go. “You always believe,” he said. “I have to believe, but after Antony’s miss, you get that sinking feeling… yet we kept pushing.”

Amorim acknowledged the recent struggles at home, with three consecutive losses to Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest.

“It’s been a difficult time for the team and the fans,” he admitted. “We turned it around tonight, but it wasn’t our best performance. If you consider all the chances, we deserved the win, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement.”

As United prepares for their next match, Amorim’s focus remains on building consistency and maximizing the potential of his squad, with Amad Diallo continuing to shine as a beacon of hope.