Ruben Amorim admits Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could move in January but insists any exit won't weaken Manchester United. Betting angle: uncertainty over squad depth amid AFCON absences and forward injuries makes short-term bets on United riskier — consider draw no bet or handicap markets for January fixtures; long-term top-four markets remain plausible if Amorim retains key options and secures adequate cover.
Amorim admits possible January exits but insists club comes first
Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could leave Manchester United in the January transfer window, but made clear any moves would not be at the expense of the club’s competitiveness. The Portuguese coach stressed that while he understands players’ frustration over limited minutes and World Cup hopes, United will not sacrifice progress to satisfy individual demands.
Limited minutes fuel transfer talk
Neither Mainoo nor Zirkzee has started a Premier League match this season. Zirkzee has logged just 82 league minutes, with academy graduate Mainoo totaling 93 minutes since his substitute appearance against Burnley in August. Both players, aware that game time is crucial for international selection ahead of next summer’s World Cup, are understandably seeking more opportunities.
AFCON, injuries and squad balance
United face potential absences during the Africa Cup of Nations and are dealing with injuries to forwards Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Amorim flagged the risk of being short-staffed and made it clear he must retain sufficient cover across the squad. His priority remains having the resources to navigate cup and league commitments without being forced into reactive signings.
Immediate season stakes: Everton clash and top-four hopes
A positive result against Everton could lift United into fourth place, representing a dramatic improvement on last season’s 15th-place finish. Despite a five-game unbeaten run, Amorim warned that progress is fragile after dropped leads against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, and he wants every available option to avoid slipping off course.
Amorim’s stance: empathy but team first
Amorim emphasised his understanding of players’ perspectives: "I was a football player. I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation. I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there." He balanced that empathy with a firm line: "But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not I have to think about the team."
What this means for supporters and markets
The coach’s message signals that Manchester United will prioritise squad stability unless incoming deals preserve competitiveness. For supporters, that suggests continuity is likely unless clear replacements are available. For bettors, the combination of transfer uncertainty, AFCON-related absences and forward injuries advises caution in short-term markets; consider hedged options like draw no bet or handicaps for January fixtures while long-term top-four wagers remain contingent on January activity.
Ruben Amorim's strict training decision shows his plans for Man Utd future
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has spoken out on the prospect of January transfers for out-of-favour stars Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee as the window approaches
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