Ruben Amorim Delivers Clear Verdict on Man Utd's January Transfer Plans: 'I Understand'
Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that he comprehends why players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee may consider departing Manchester United during the January transfer period, though he emphasized that the club's immediate requirements will always take priority.
Following a standout campaign under Erik ten Hag that featured an FA Cup final strike and a significant contribution to England's run to the Euro 2024 final, Mainoo has struggled to replicate that form under Amorim's guidance.
The academy graduate suffered an injury during a vital period of the previous season, and his eight outings thus far in 2025–26 have totaled merely 228 minutes—he has yet to earn a Premier League starting position. Zirkzee has featured even more sparingly—accumulating just 90 minutes over four matches—leaving both players at risk of missing selection for next summer's World Cup.
Neither footballer has secured a regular spot with their national squad to guarantee inclusion under present conditions, and both have been overlooked for selection over the past year.
Regarding the disappointment and possibility that Mainoo or Zirkzee might pursue a January transfer to enhance their World Cup prospects, Amorim expressed understanding. Nevertheless, maintaining squad depth for Manchester United remains paramount.
"The primary consideration is that the club takes precedence," he informed journalists ahead of Monday evening's Premier League encounter with Everton.
"We must prioritize the club and the squad, and then all possibilities can be explored. Having been a footballer myself, I comprehend everything, and I aim to support my players in all circumstances.
"I cannot predict what will transpire. I desire my players to be content. I recognize the disappointment of certain players, knowing the World Cup approaches, and I understand its significance, but Manchester United must come first. If I can benefit both the club and the players, I will be satisfied, otherwise I must focus on the team."
Amorim Sends Message to 'Struggling' Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte faces a different situation as his position with Uruguay for the World Cup appears relatively secure, yet the midfielder continues to struggle for consistent playing time at club level.
Amorim's inclination toward a rejuvenated Casemiro partnering Bruno Fernandes in a dual-midfielder setup has restricted Ugarte to merely two Premier League starts—none since late September. This represents a disappointing development considering that a reunion with Amorim following his previous success under the manager at Sporting CP hasn't produced the anticipated improvement.
"You can observe that numerous talented players arrive here, and occasionally they face difficulties, and they are experiencing challenges, he is encountering problems at present," the United manager commented about Ugarte, emphasizing his need to witness greater effort from the £50.7 million ($66.5 million) acquisition during training sessions.
"Our responsibility is to attempt to assist our players, and once more, circumstances can shift, and you witnessed it five weeks ago, the atmosphere [within the club] was entirely different.
"I recognize that Ugarte is facing difficulties currently, and my responsibility is attempting to help him rediscover his form as a player, similar to how I experienced when he was at Sporting, for instance, but this is a different environment, and he must adjust, and he must develop, particularly in training."