Ruben Amorim confirmed that Manchester United will take priority when he weighs the January futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, even though both players want regular minutes before the 2026 World Cup. His comments arrived ahead of United’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Everton.
Mainoo and Zirkzee have yet to start a league match this season. Their limited game time has pushed them to consider January exits, with both eager to regain roles in their national squads. The approaching World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico has further intensified their concerns.
Amorim acknowledged their frustration but made the club’s stance clear. “I was a football player,” Amorim said. “I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.
“I understand the frustration of some players, seeing the World Cup is there. I know what it means. But the first thing is that the club comes first. If I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not, I have to think about the team.”
Midfield Issues Add Pressure to Transfer Decisions
Mainoo has struggled to secure a defined role in Amorim’s system, despite United lacking reliable midfield depth. Casemiro continues to shoulder heavy responsibility at 33, while Bruno Fernandes remains focused on attacking duties. New recruit Manuel Ugarte has also found the Premier League tougher than expected.
“You can sense that a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle,” Amorim said. “[Ugarte] is struggling at the moment.
“But it is our job to try to help our players, and again, everything can change, and you saw it five weeks ago, the environment was completely different.
“So I know that Ugarte is struggling at the moment, and my job is trying to help him feel as a player, like I felt when he was a Sporting player, for example.
“But it is a different world, and he needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training.”
Unbeaten Run Brings Momentum but Challenges Remain
Manchester United’s season opened poorly, but recent form has shifted the atmosphere. The team now stands unbeaten in five matches and has climbed to tenth. A win over Everton could lift them into fifth place and strengthen the growing optimism around Old Trafford.
However, Amorim resisted any suggestion that United’s troubles have fully eased. “I don’t like to say the storm is over,” he said. “It’s my job, especially in our club, to always have that feeling [that a storm is coming].
“It gives me the sense of urgency in every training [session] and, in the Premier League, everything can change so fast because all the teams can win any game.”
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