According to reports from ESPN, Goal.com, and the Manchester Evening News, tension is growing behind the scenes at Manchester United, and it could spark major squad changes midway through the season.
Two players at the center of this uncertainty are Kobbie Mainoo, the 20-year-old English midfielder who broke through last season, and Joshua Zirkzee, the 24-year-old Dutch forward signed from Bologna for £36.5 million.
Both are reportedly seeking clarity about their futures as Ruben Amorim’s strict 3-4-3 system has left them struggling for minutes. Mainoo has started only once this season — a Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town — while Zirkzee has mainly featured as a substitute. Their limited game time has fueled rumors that both could leave in the January transfer window.
Mainoo’s case carries particular emotional weight. As a proud academy graduate from Stockport, he embodies United’s long-standing tradition of promoting homegrown players — a streak that has seen at least one academy product appear in every game since 1937.
However, with less than 200 league minutes played so far, that record could be under threat if he departs. Reports from Italy claim Napoli are interested in taking him on loan with an option to buy for £30 million, and sources close to the player say he wants regular football ahead of the Euro 2028 qualifiers.
A senior figure at United told BBC Sport that Amorim faces a difficult choice: “Kobbie is the future, but Ruben’s tactics demand energy and discipline.
With Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes established in midfield, it’s hard to find space for him.” Despite Amorim’s public support for United’s youth system, his current selections suggest otherwise. The club now faces a key decision: send Mainoo on loan for development or risk losing him permanently.
As for Joshua Zirkzee, his situation reflects United’s wider attacking problems. After shining in Serie A with 12 goals and 7 assists, his move to Old Trafford was supposed to provide balance alongside Rasmus Hojlund. Instead, he’s been limited to short cameos, overshadowed by Hojlund and new arrivals like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. According to Sky Sports, Zirkzee fears losing his spot in the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup if his playing time doesn’t improve.
Interest in him remains strong — AC Milan are reportedly preparing a £25 million bid, while Borussia Dortmund are also keeping tabs. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has hinted at a potential January loan move with an obligation to buy. Amorim’s preference for a lone striker who drops deep has made it difficult for Zirkzee to show his full potential despite his technical skills and versatility.
United’s poor form only adds to the pressure. Currently sitting ninth in the Premier League after nine games, Amorim’s team has struggled to find rhythm. Injuries to key defenders like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, along with the summer departures of Rashford and Garnacho, have exposed weaknesses across the squad. While signings such as Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte have impressed, the team still lacks overall balance.
Financially, the club is also constrained by Premier League spending rules, forcing director of football John Murtough to focus on player sales before backing Amorim in the market. Should Mainoo and Zirkzee leave, opportunities could open for youngsters like Harry Amass and Toby Collyer to break through.
With rivals such as Arsenal and Liverpool strengthening ahead of the January window, United’s hesitation could prove costly.
Historically, failure to act decisively mid-season has led to disappointing finishes — something Amorim will be desperate to avoid. Still, the Portuguese coach remains calm, insisting that rebuilding United’s identity “will take time, patience, and the right choices.”
