'I just believe that': Micah Richards makes big Man Utd transfer prediction as Ruben Amorim oversees 1-1 draw

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Manchester United got off to a mixed start under Ruben Amorim on Sunday.

The Portuguese tactician made life as a Premier League manager look simple after his side went 1-0 up within just 81 seconds against Ipswich, with Amad Diallo crossing the ball for Marcus Rashford to tap beyond Arijanet Muric.

However, the Red Devils then looked like an Erik ten Hag side for the rest of the match, with Andre Onana regularly having to bail his teammates out with some fine stops.

In the end, Manchester United were perhaps fortunate to escape Portman Road with a 1-1 draw, a result which leaves them 12th in the Premier League.

Now – speaking on The Rest is Football podcast – Micah Richards has made a prediction regarding what Ruben Amorim can expect in the January transfer window.

Micah Richards doubtful Manchester United will back Ruben Amorim in January

Watching the Red Devils on Sunday, it was clear that several positions need upgrading.

Casemiro – who left Amorim “disgusted” with one pass – again looked sluggish, as did his midfield partner Christian Eriksen, although Richards does not believe Manchester United will solve these issues at the first opportunity.

The 36-year-old told Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer: “They looked alive, they looked sharp. All the things you thought (would happen). I was getting excited, and then it just went flat.

“I don't think he is going to get the players he wants in January but I think in the summer we are going to see five or six players come in now. I just believe that. I was a bit disappointing in the showing. That's not the manager, he needs time to implement his style. It was almost like a fizzy drink. I expected so much, they started so well and then it just fizzled out a bit. On another day Ipswich could have scored four or five.”

It would be a surprise if those in the boardroom at Old Trafford did fund “five or six” signings in January – but we believe one or two could be secured this winter.

Who Manchester United could sign

Amorim needs a better deputy than Jonny Evans to call upon when Lisandro Martinez is sidelined if he is going to succeed at Old Trafford, and there is one option who could arrive in January – in our view at least.

TBR Football understand Manchester United still want Jarrad Branthwaite – who was a summer target for Ten Hag – with Everton desperately trying to tie the England international down to a new contract.

In terms of midfield reinforcements, Manchester United also admire Chris Rigg – although Sunderland find themselves with a shot of promotion, so a January deal may be difficult to negotiate.

Hopefully, Amorim receives at least one upgrade to this underwhelming Manchester United side.