Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim understands why Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee want to leave in January in search of regular football with the World Cup approaching, but the Portuguese says he must put the club’s interests first.
Neither player has started a Premier League match this season. Dutch forward Zirkzee has played just 82 minutes in the top flight, while England midfielder Mainoo has had just 138 minutes of game time since August.
Both players have fallen out of the picture for their national teams, with British media reporting that the pair are looking to make moves in the January transfer window to once again boost their chances of competing in the June 11-July 19 World Cup in North America.
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«I was a footballer. I understand everything and I want to help my players in every situation,» Amorim told reporters ahead of Monday’s league match against Everton.
«I want my players to be happy. I understand the frustration of some players as the World Cup is here, and I know what it means for the World Cup, but Manchester United comes first.»
«So if I can help the club and the players, I will be happy; if not, I have to think about the team. The club comes first, so we have to think about the club and the team, and then anything can happen.»
Both Mainoo and Zirkzee could get more game time at United in the coming weeks, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo heading to the Africa Cup of Nations next month and striker Benjamin Sesko picking up an injury.
Published on November 24, 2025
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