Manchester United are reportedly prepared to block any player departures in the January transfer window, including possible exit requests from Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, as manager Ruben Amorim plans to keep the pair for crucial mid-season fixtures.
Both players have had limited playing time this season but are expected to play key roles around the busy Christmas period, especially with United facing potential absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
🇨🇲 AFCON to Hit United Hard
United are set to lose Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo in December, as both will join Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively for AFCON duties.
Defender Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to represent Morocco, meaning Amorim could be without three of his key right-sided players during that period.
The AFCON kicks off before Christmas, with the final scheduled for January 18, while the winter transfer window closes on February 2.
🧤 Onana’s Precedent and Current Plans
Last season, United successfully delayed Andre Onana’s AFCON departure until mid-January, which allowed him to miss just one game as Cameroon exited early.
However, this time, the early start means United are less likely to approve mid-season transfers.
With Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui all unavailable, Amorim is reluctant to lose any more players — particularly Mainoo and Zirkzee, who offer flexibility in the squad.
🔴 Mainoo and Zirkzee’s Current Situation
Mainoo, 21, has not started a Premier League match since May and only featured once this season — a League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town. Despite limited opportunities, United rejected his request for a loan move in the summer.
Zirkzee, 24, has also struggled for minutes, playing just 90 minutes across five appearances since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out of pre-season. Amorim reportedly sees him as more of a creative forward than an out-and-out striker, preferring the attacking trio of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount.
🗣️ Amorim on Player Exit Talks
When asked about potential January exits, Amorim said:
“There’s always noise around Manchester United. Players want to play, agents talk, and the media speculate. But they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season.”
Amorim is currently operating with a 25-man squad, after United’s failure to qualify for European competition this season prompted a reduction in squad size.
⚽ Injury Updates and Squad Depth
Lisandro Martinez remains out with a long-term ACL injury, while Tyrell Malacia has returned to training but is not expected to feature soon.
Meanwhile, young talents Chido Obi and Diego Leon continue to train with the academy setup.
🧩 Summary
Manchester United’s squad will be tested to the limit over the festive period, and Ruben Amorim is determined to keep his core players — including Mainoo and Zirkzee — at Old Trafford to avoid a crisis of depth.
