Amorim Delivers Decisive Verdict on Mainoo and Zirkzee's Manchester United Destinies
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly determined to block any potential departures for frustrated pair Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee during the upcoming January transfer period, according to recent reports.
The duo are understood to be dissatisfied with their reduced playing time under Amorim's management. Mainoo hasn't featured as a starter in Premier League action since the beginning of May, whereas Zirkzee has accumulated merely 82 minutes of top-flight football this campaign.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching and both talents currently absent from their national team considerations, Mainoo and Zirkzee are anticipated to seek departures from Old Trafford come January, though Fabrizio Romano has disclosed Amorim's strategy to continue disappointing the duo.
Reports suggest that Amorim intends to retain both talents when the January market opens, viewing Mainoo and Zirkzee as crucial squad depth to support his first-choice selections.
Amorim's reasoning centers on the demanding holiday schedule, the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, and what promises to be an intense campaign conclusion, prompting the manager to maintain maximum squad flexibility for rotation purposes and injury prevention during critical moments.
Serie A Giants Circle for Unhappy Man Utd Duo
The attempt to retain both Mainoo and Zirkzee this winter may prove challenging for United given the significant attention both players are receiving.
Napoli remain keen on Mainoo, having been unsuccessful in their summer pursuit, and are anticipated to renew their approach following summer acquisition Kevin De Bruyne's hamstring setback that will likely sideline him for multiple months.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports Roma are actively pursuing Zirkzee, while both talents have been connected with struggling Premier League side West Ham United. Nevertheless, David Ornstein has suggested the Hammers are improbable to secure either Mainoo or Zirkzee.
Complicating Mainoo's situation is his homegrown status. United have featured one academy-developed player in every matchday roster for the previous 88 years, and the England midfielder represents one of just two senior homegrown options available to Amorim to continue that tradition, alongside backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton. The manager has openly stated his reluctance to break that sequence.
United icon Rio Ferdinand recently urged Mainoo to demonstrate determination and "display some spirit" in his effort to impress Amorim, encouraging him to choose a different approach than fellow academy product Marcus Rashford.