After the 4-2 win against Brighton, manager Ruben Amorim settled the futures of the young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, as Man Utd targets a top-four spot.
Manchester United is gradually regaining form under coach Ruben Amorim. After their 4-2 win over Brighton last weekend, the “Red Devils” extended their winning streak to three matches and climbed to sixth place in the Premier League standings.
With the team’s morale high, the Portuguese manager also made important decisions regarding the futures of two young players, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.
According to The Sun, coach Ruben Amorim has decided to keep Mainoo and Zirkzee despite their limited playing time recently.
“Manchester United plans to reject all transfer offers in January due to the risk of squad shortages.”
Mainoo has only started one match this 2025/26 season, in a disappointing loss to Grimsby Town in the League Cup. Since then, he has not featured in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Dutch striker Zirkzee faces tough competition from forwards like Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Mason Mount.
Due to limited game time, both players were rumored to possibly leave Old Trafford in the winter transfer window to seek more opportunities. However, Amorim’s squad plans do not allow for that.
Speaking to the media, coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the players’ feelings but emphasized the importance of team spirit:
“At Man United, things are always noisy. The press needs news, and players who don’t play can easily lose patience. I understand that, especially with the World Cup approaching, but they belong to us and the club needs everyone for a successful season.”
During the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, Man United might lose three key players—Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui—who are likely to join their national teams. Therefore, retaining Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee is essential for MU to keep squad depth.
This weekend, Manchester United will visit Nottingham Forest. Another victory will not only strengthen the “Red Devils” position in the top-four race but also confirm their determination to revive the team under Ruben Amorim’s leadership.