Ruben Amorim sends message to Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee over Manchester United exits

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 4: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 4, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo is struggling for playing time at Manchester United (AMA/Getty)

Ruben Amorim has refused to entertain suggestions that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Mainoo’s request to depart Old Trafford on loan in the closing stages of the summer transfer window was rejected by United.

The 20-year-old has not started a game in the Premier League this season, while Amorim has faced criticism for not giving the midfielder more opportunities.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, is also struggling for playing time this season and has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League, plus another appearance off the bench in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.

Asked if he understands the frustrations of Mainoo and Zirkzee, Amorim said: ‘That is normal, and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play.

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‘Like you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 4: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United warms up during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 4, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee has made only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season (Getty)

‘So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season.’

Amorim also refused to issue a direct response to Marcus Rashford’s claim earlier this week that he was part of an ‘inconsistent environment’ at United.

‘I’m just focused on the future of the club, on the present of the club,’ Amorim said.

‘That is the most important thing. So, I’m focused just on my players and what they say, what they do, that is my main focus.’

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Author: Chris Davie