Manchester United will keep Mainoo, Zirkzee if club needs it
MANCHESTER, England – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has warned that midfield prospect Kobbie Mainoo and forward Joshua Zirkzee will only be permitted to leave the club in the January window if any deal aligns with United’s strategic interests, despite the pair seeking more regular minutes ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Mainoo, 19, and Zirkzee, 23, have struggled for consistent game time this season but continue to feature in Amorim’s matchday squads. Both players are open to exploring loan or permanent moves to boost their international chances, yet Amorim made clear the club retains full control over their futures.
“The first thing is that the club comes first,” Amorim said. “We have to think about the club and the team, and then everything can happen. I understand the frustration of players looking toward the World Cup, but Manchester United comes first.”
Amorim said he empathises with players seeking clarity but stressed that departures will not be sanctioned unless United benefit both competitively and structurally. “I want my players to be happy,” he said. “If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy; if not, I have to think about the team.”
United are expected to reinforce their midfield next summer, with the position becoming a growing concern for Amorim. The manager has leaned heavily on 33-year-old Casemiro alongside Bruno Fernandes, particularly as Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte continues to adapt following his move from Sporting CP.
Amorim, who coached Ugarte during their time together in Portugal, acknowledged the midfielder’s difficult transition to the Premier League. “A lot of very good players come here and sometimes they struggle,” he said. “He is struggling at the moment, but it is our job to support him and help him feel like the player he was at Sporting.”
The United manager said Ugarte needs time and improvement in training to adjust to the league’s physical and tactical demands but remains confident in the long-term value of the 23-year-old.
Mainoo and Zirkzee’s situations underline the broader squad decisions United face in the coming months as Amorim aims to reshape the team while balancing youth development, international ambitions and competitive requirements.