Manchester United Transfer Update: Amorim Sets Conditions for January Window Exits

Manchester United will only allow players to leave in the January transfer window if replacements can be found, says head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has delivered the update ahead of the winter market opening on New Year’s Day, with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee believed to be keen on departing Old Trafford in search of more playing time.In a new report from the BBC, both Mainoo and Zirkzee are hoping to earn more first-team minutes by leaving United when the transfer window opens on 1 January. England international Mainoo is yet to start a single game for the Red Devils in 2025-26, making 11 appearances from the substitutes bench.The 20-year-old was reportedly close to completing a season-long loan move to Antonio Conte’s Napoli in the summer, only for United to block the switch on deadline day.Meanwhile, Zirkzee is also believed to be attracting interest from Italy. The 24-year-old has made just 10 appearances for United this season, with only three of them coming from the start.Netherlands international Zirkzee spent two seasons with Serie A side Bologna between 2022 and 2024 before moving to England in a £36.5 million (€42m/$49m) deal.However, both Mainoo and Zirkzee have now been told they will not be allowed to leave United unless the club is able to secure replacements.The 20-time champions are currently without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, who are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for Morocco, Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively, with the tournament lasting until Sunday 18 January.United are also expected to be without captain Bruno Fernandes for a month after the midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in last Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa.And therefore Amorim believes United are “short” of numbers heading into the January transfer window.“It's going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don't get a substitution," Amorim said. "We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen."We are a club with a big responsibility. We are dealing with all these issues and in [the media's] heads, in my head, in everybody's head, we need to win every game. It doesn't matter. There are no excuses.”Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Amorim had previously revealed United were ready to strengthen in January, provided the “perfect” players for the long term became available. The former Sporting CP manager has stressed the importance of not panic buying over the winter period - a “mistake” he believes the club have made in the past."We can improve, we have space to have more players but we have a plan and we need to bring in players that we know, obviously it is hard to know for sure that everything is going to work,” Amorim told Sky Sports."But we need to be certain with the players that we bring in, if we are not sure, if everyone is not aligned, it is better not to bring anyone and work with the players that we have. "That is clear for me. Maybe I should be different, like so many other managers, but that is my thinking for the club and I think the board thinks that, too. "We cannot make the same mistakes we did in the past and we need to survive these moments because we have players coming back from internationals and injury.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingAmorim is on the verge of competing his first full year in charge of United as they wrap up 2025 with league fixtures against Newcastle United on Boxing Day and winless Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday 30 December.The 40-year-old was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor on 1 November 2024 and steered United to a 15th-place finish last season - the club’s lowest league position since 1989-90.However, United have been in much better form this term, with Amorim’s men currently seventh in the table and just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Pressure Mounts as Mainoo and Zirkzee Eye January Departures

As the January transfer window looms, Manchester United find themselves at a crossroads with players like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee looking for opportunities elsewhere. Both players have seen limited game time this season and are eager to secure more minutes on the pitch. However, United's stance remains firm that any potential departures must be contingent on finding suitable replacements.

Injury Woes and AFCON Absences Compound United's Squad Depth Issues

The absence of key players such as Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and the recent injury to Bruno Fernandes have left United stretched thin in terms of squad depth. Ruben Amorim acknowledges the challenges facing the team and emphasizes the need to bolster the squad in order to cope with the demanding schedule ahead.

Amorim's Balanced Approach to January Recruitment

Amid speculation about potential January signings, Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his commitment to strategic recruitment. The Portuguese coach is wary of past mistakes and emphasizes the importance of bringing in players who fit the club's long-term vision. Despite the pressure to strengthen the squad, Amorim prioritizes prudence over rushed decisions.

United's Evolving Form under Amorim's Leadership

Since taking the reins at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has overseen a transformation in Manchester United's performance. Despite a challenging start that saw the club finish 15th in the previous season, United have shown marked improvement under Amorim's guidance, currently sitting seventh in the league standings. With key fixtures on the horizon, including clashes against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the team's progress will be closely monitored as they seek to climb higher in the table.