Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee Future Clarified by Ruben Amorim After Frustration Over Game Time

Ruben Amorim has moved to end speculation surrounding the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, insisting that neither player will be allowed to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window despite their frustration over a lack of playing time.

Both players have found opportunities hard to come by this season, as Amorim continues to rotate his squad in search of consistency and balance. 

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Mainoo, 20, has yet to start a Premier League game, while Zirkzee has struggled for minutes in a competitive attacking setup. Their limited involvement has sparked concerns that their international ambitions for next summer’s World Cup could be in jeopardy.

Reports in recent weeks suggested that both players were exploring possible loan exits, with Napoli and Roma linked with summer interest. 

However, Amorim has now made it clear that the pair remain part of his long-term plans at Old Trafford and that no departures will be sanctioned mid-season.

The Portuguese coach, who arrived at United earlier this year, faces a delicate task in managing a squad filled with young talent and experienced internationals, all demanding playing time. 

Amorim is understood to value both Mainoo and Zirkzee highly but believes patience and competition are essential for their development.

Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, Amorim was firm in his stance, stressing that both players would stay and fight for their places.

“I understand that but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season,” Amorim said as per Daily Mail.

“I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise. Players are not playing. They want to play, and there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players, talking all the time.”

Mainoo, who asked to leave on loan late in the summer window, saw his request blocked by the club. The England under-21 midfielder has made five substitute appearances in the Premier League so far, showing glimpses of his ability but not yet breaking into Amorim’s first-choice lineup.

Zirkzee’s situation is similar. The Dutch forward has featured for just 82 minutes across all competitions since arriving from Bologna. With the Netherlands squad for next summer’s World Cup beginning to take shape, Zirkzee is desperate to play more regularly to strengthen his international prospects.

Amorim, however, believes competition is part of life at a club of United’s size. He acknowledged the players’ frustrations but insisted that the demands of a long season require squad depth and rotation.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more,” Amorim said when pressed on Mainoo’s situation before the Manchester derby last month.

“I didn't have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week.

“Because I don't want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him.

“I don't want that feeling. I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.

“I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that's it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Both Mainoo and Zirkzee are now expected to remain part of United’s first-team squad at least until the end of the campaign. Amorim’s stance underscores his belief in maintaining a united and competitive group as the club continues to rebuild under his leadership.

Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday, hoping to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season — a result that could ease pressure on Amorim and lift the mood around Old Trafford.