Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has spoken about the prospect of January transfers for unpopular stars Koby Mainu and Joshua Zirkzee as the transfer deadline approaches.
Manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that absent stars Koby Mainu and Joshua Zirkzee could leave in January, but it won’t be at the expense of Manchester United. The Red Devils manager is adamant his club cannot afford to lose just to keep the players happy.
Neither Mainou nor Zirksee have started a Premier League game this season. The latter has only registered 82 minutes in this department, while academy product Mainu has registered 93 minutes since appearing against Burnley in August.
Both players will be hoping to get more playing time in order to have a chance to represent their country at next summer’s World Cup. He will need more time on the pitch if he is to earn a call-up to the Netherlands and England squads for tournaments in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
United will lose Brian Mbeumo, Amad and Nousair Mazraoui during the African Cup of Nations. With forwards Benjamin Sesco and Matheus Cunha injured, Amorim does not want to be shortchanged.
The Portuguese manager could move United into fourth place with a good enough win against Everton on Monday. A dramatic improvement from the club’s 15th place last season.
read more: Matheus Cunha injury update: ‘Doubts’ about game against Everton after accident in trainingread more: Wolves issue new statement on speculation of Joao Gomez’s £44m move to Manchester United
Amorim understands why players are unhappy but is not willing to sacrifice United’s progress.
“I was a football player,” he said. “I understand everything and I want to help the players in every situation. I also understand the frustration of some players, watching the World Cup take place. I know what it means.”
“But first of all I have to think about the club. If I can help the club and the players I’m happy, but if I can’t then I have to think about the team.”
Despite going on a five-game unbeaten run, Amorim is wary of the team’s shaky progress. United lost the lead against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham before the international break.
The 40-year-old wants to have all the tools at his disposal to stay on course. “I don’t want to say the storm is over,” he said.
“It’s my job (especially at our club) to always maintain that feeling (that a storm is coming). That gives a sense of urgency in every training (session). And in the Premier League, every team can win any game, so everything can change quickly.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
