RUBEN AMORIM’S LATEST COMMENTS SUGGEST TRANSFER TWIST FOR KOBBIE MAINOO AND JOSHUA
Man United boss Ruben Amorim has blocked January exits for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. Both players are frustrated with a lack of playing time, but will not be allowed to leave.
Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo are both growing impatient with their little playing time; therefore, Ruben Amorim has taken action to put an end to rumours about their futures.
Despite worries that they would miss the World Cup next summer, Amorim stated that the two will not be permitted to depart Manchester United in January.
Neither Mainoo nor Zirkzee has established a consistent starting position under the Portuguese, and both have been on the team's periphery this season.
Despite their dissatisfaction with their lack of playing time before the World Cup next summer, Amorim stated that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee would not be permitted to depart during the January transfer window.
Amorim responded, "I understand it, but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season." Mainoo and Zirkzee were linked to loan moves to Napoli and Roma this summer as their anger increased.
I am also aware that there is a lot of noise in our club. There are no players. There is a World Cup, and they want to play. Some agents constantly listen to the players.
Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo will not be permitted to leave in January, according to Ruben Amorim.
After failing to find work, 20-year-old Mainoo requested to go on loan late in the summer, but his request was denied.
After fighting for opportunities, 20-year-old Mainoo requested to go on loan late in the summer window, but his request was denied.
To date, the midfield player has made five Premier League appearances from the bench.
In contrast, Zirkzee has only played 82 minutes in all competitions. The Dutch striker is eager to play for his nation in the tournament next summer, but he will have to compete for playing time.
When asked if he understood their frustrations, Amorim said that at a club like United, the problem was unavoidable. He emphasised that during a crowded campaign, squad depth must be preserved.
When asked about Mainoo's condition before last month's Manchester derby, Amorim responded, "No, like a lot of men, he wants to play more." "This week, I spoke with him as opposed to before the window closed."
Because I do not want Kobbie Mainoo to believe that I spoke to him to keep him around.
"I want no part of that emotion." Although some of you assume that Kobbie Mainoo has already completed the piece, I have a lot of faith in her. He has a lot of room for improvement, in my opinion.
I believe that while some men's talent is sufficient, it is insufficient for them. Perhaps it is unfair, but I believe I am only assisting Kobbie Mainoo. Like the other men, he will have opportunities.
In contrast, Zirkzee has only played 82 minutes in all competitions. The Dutch striker is eager to play for his nation in the World Cup next summer.
It is anticipated that both players will stay with the first team until the end of the season.
In the Premier League, United takes on Liverpool on Sunday in an attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.
THE £70M HOMECOMING: WHY MAN UNITED DREAM OF RE-SIGNING SERIE A MVP SCOTT MCTOMINAY
Manchester United wants Scott McTominay back! Discover the £70m price tag and why Tottenham is eyeing Michael Carrick for manager.
Manchester United want Scott McTominay back at Old Trafford, and it’s no secret what it’ll cost them. Meanwhile, Tottenham are eyeing a bold move for a new manager.
McTominay left United in August 2024, heading to Napoli for £25 million even though he’d just finished his best season yet, scoring some big goals and keeping Erik ten Hag in the job. Since then, he’s thrived in Italy. Last season, he helped Napoli win the Serie A title and even picked up the league’s MVP award. No wonder Premier League clubs are paying attention. United want him back, and they’re at the front of the queue.
The word from Italy is United “dream of a reunion. McTominay’s happy in Naples, but he’s got unfinished business at United and wants to prove his critics wrong. Napoli’s chief, Leonardo Giammarioli, admitted he’s worried about losing his star midfielder if a massive offer comes in. He even compared it to Nick Woltemade’s exit from Stuttgart.
Fraser Fletcher, our transfer guy, broke the story back in November that United and Arsenal are both looking at McTominay, and Spurs are interested too. But McTominay’s not leaving for just any club. He wants the right project. And it won’t be cheap. Napoli want at least €80m (£70m/$95m) if they’re going to let their 29-year-old star go.
For United, McTominay is one of several targets as they look to rebuild their midfield. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are also on the list.
Now, about Michael Carrick: United loves what he’s done as interim boss. But they’re not the only ones. Graeme Bailey says Tottenham are seriously considering Carrick for their permanent manager job. Carrick played for both United and Spurs, and Tottenham already thought about him before hiring Thomas Frank last summer. His quick adjustment to Premier League management hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Spurs have brought in Igor Tudor as interim manager, but Carrick’s in the mix to take over this summer. Of course, it depends on whether United decide to keep him themselves. Sources say United are really impressed with his style and attitude, though they’re still weighing their options.
United aren’t just busy with managers; they’re scouting too. This weekend, they’ll have people watching Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia. Kalulu’s been all over the pitch for Juve, playing centre-back, right-back, and wing-back. Dimarco, on the other hand, has been electric for Inter at left wing-back, with six goals and 13 assists in 31 games. Both United and Arsenal are watching closely.
Dimarco might be easier to sign than Kalulu because of his contract. Inter want to extend his deal, but for now, it runs out in June 2027. United have been dreaming about him as their new left-back.
On another note, England rugby captain Maro Itoje spoke out against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments on immigration. “I disagree with the terminology and sentiments of what he said,” Itoje told the BBC. “I do not believe that immigrants have colonised Great Britain. That’s just not true, and it’s the wrong thing to say.
“I’m a proud Londoner, proud to play for and captain England. That’s one of my greatest accomplishments. But I’m also of Nigerian descent, and I’m proud of that heritage too.
“Honestly, I think Ratcliffe’s wording was clumsy, and his numbers were wrong. I saw he apologised, and I respect people who can admit when they’ve messed up and say sorry. So, credit to him for that.”
STOPPAGE TIME SAVER: BENJAMIN SESKO RESCUES MICHAEL CARRICK’S UNBEATEN STREAK AT WEST HAM
Benjamin Sesko saved Manchester United with a 96th-minute flick after Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead. Read the full 2026 report.
Manchester United left it late, grabbing a dramatic draw against West Ham at the London Stadium. Tomas Soucek seemed to have won it for the Hammers with his second-half goal, but Benjamin Sesko popped up in stoppage time with a clever finish to snatch a point for United, who’ve been on a good run. The first half really dragged. United couldn’t break West Ham down at all. Everyone in a claret shirt just sat deep. Luke Shaw came closest, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared his shot off the line.
After the break, things actually got interesting. Four minutes in, Soucek bundled one in from close range. Casemiro thought he’d levelled things up after an hour, but VAR ruled his header out for offside. Both teams had chances as the clock ran down, but it was Sesko who finally found the net deep into stoppage time, saving United right at the end.
Man United player ratings vs West Ham
Senne Lammens – 6
Came up big early to deny Summerville from a distance. No chance with Soucek’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 4
Had a tough time with Summerville’s pace and kept giving the ball away. Picked up a needless yellow.
Lisandro Martínez – 6
Easily the most composed passer at the back, breaking lines a few times. Solid defensively for the most part.
Luke Shaw – 5
Almost scored in the first half, but his shot was cleared off the line. Then stepped out of position before Soucek’s goal, which cost United.
Casemiro – 7
Pretty solid in midfield—broke up play and timed his tackles well. Scored with a header, but it didn’t count.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Kept things ticking in the middle but couldn’t really hurt West Ham. Lost Soucek for the goal.
Amad – 5
Had a decent look before halftime but hit the side netting. Didn’t offer his usual spark.
Matheus Cunha – 4
Barely got involved. Dropped deep to get on the ball but didn’t do anything with it.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5
Ran hard, tracked back, and helped defensively, but didn’t threaten much in attack.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Came on for Maguire for the last 20 minutes and made a couple of crucial blocks as West Ham pressed for another.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
Subbed in for Cunha in the second half and poked home in stoppage time to grab United a point.