Ruben Amorim plays down exit links for Mainoo and Zirkzee

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Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are both linked with exits from Old Trafford

Both players have struggled for regular playing time this season, which has fuelled speculation about their futures at the club. Kobbie Mainoo has not made a single Premier League start under Amorim, and his only appearance in the starting XI came during a Carabao Cup tie last August. The 20-year-old is currently out of action with a calf injury.

Joshua Zirkzee has also found opportunities hard to come by this season, making just three starts for United across all competitions so far.

When asked about possible changes to his squad during the January window, Amorim was clear that he wasn’t expecting much activity. He said:

“No. I don’t believe [it will be busy],” adding that any movements would likely be minor: “A few details maybe, someone else may leave or something like that.”

He also touched on his philosophy regarding new signings: “I’ve already said to sign players; they need to improve the squad, so we don’t have big possibilities to improve our team.”

Ruben Amorim addresses January transfer talk surrounding Man Utd squad

Joshua Zirkzee’s name has come up in transfer talk again, with Roma reportedly interested and a loan move from Old Trafford in January looking increasingly likely.

Amorim has gone with Benjamin Sesko as his first-choice striker for the 2025-26 season, leaving Zirkzee short on opportunities to make an impression.

Asked ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Leeds if any players had spoken to him about leaving, Amorim made it clear he hasn’t heard from anyone.

The former Sporting CP boss said he isn’t expecting any first-team player to come forward about wanting out of Old Trafford at this stage.

“No, none have asked,” Amorim said on Friday afternoon, as per Manchester Evening News.

“I don’t expect them to come to me and ask anything.”

Ruben Amorim clarifies Man Utd’s approach to January window

Amorim has had to juggle a stretched squad in recent weeks, with injuries piling up and several players away at the 2025 AFCON tournament.

Speaking from Carrington, Amorim made it clear that the club isn’t looking to make any moves during this window.

“The transfer window is not going to change,” he said.

“We have no conversations in this moment about having any change in the squad.”

“There is a process, there is an idea that is going to continue. We are near the Champions League places, but we are near also to, like, 18th behind us, so let’s focus on the next game, just that, and our focus is to win the next game.”