Mainoo and Zirkzee Seek More Playing Time Amid January Transfer Window

omidbasir- According to a recent report from the BBC, both Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are eager to gain more first-team playing time by leaving Manchester United when the transfer window opens on January 1.

England international Mainoo has yet to start a single match for the Red Devils in the 2025-26 season, appearing 11 times as a substitute.

The 20-year-old was reportedly close to finalizing a season-long loan to Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, during the summer, but United blocked the move on transfer deadline day.

On the other hand, Zirkzee is also attracting interest from Italy. The 24-year-old has made only 10 appearances for United this season, with just three being starts.

The Netherlands international previously spent two seasons with Serie A club Bologna from 2022 to 2024 before transferring to England in a deal valued at £36.5 million (€42m/$49m).

However, both players have been informed that they will not be permitted to leave unless the club can acquire replacements. Currently, Manchester United is without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo, who are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with their respective national teams, a tournament that will conclude on January 18.

Additionally, United is expected to be without captain Bruno Fernandes for a month due to a hamstring injury sustained during last Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Aston Villa.

Consequently, manager Ruben Amorim believes that the team is experiencing a shortage of players as they approach the January transfer window.

“It will be difficult for someone to leave the club if we do not secure a replacement,” Amorim stated. “We are short on numbers. Even with a full squad, we are still lacking in depth for unforeseen circumstances.”

He emphasized the club’s significant responsibilities: “We are dealing with these challenges and in everyone’s mind, including mine, we must win every game. There are no excuses.”

Amorim previously indicated that United is prepared to strengthen the squad in January, provided they can identify the right players for the long term. He stressed the importance of avoiding hasty acquisitions during the winter transfer window, which he believes has been a past mistake for the club.

“We can improve and have room for more players, but we have a plan,” Amorim conveyed to Sky Sports. “We need to be certain about the players we bring in. If there is any uncertainty, it might be wiser to continue working with our existing squad.”

He reiterated the need to learn from previous errors while navigating the challenges ahead: “We cannot repeat past mistakes and must endure during this period, especially with players returning from international duty and injuries.”

As Amorim approaches the completion of his first full year in charge of United, the team is set to wrap up 2025 with league matches against Newcastle United on Boxing Day and against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 30.

The 40-year-old was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor on November 1, 2024, guiding United to a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, their lowest league position since the 1989-90 season. However, the team has shown significant improvement this term, currently sitting in seventh place, just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.