Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has stated he will not let anyone depart in the upcoming transfer period without suitable arrivals first. He acknowledges Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee seek greater involvement, with Mainoo favouring a temporary switch and Zirkzee linked with interest from Serie A.
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has stated he will not let anyone depart in the upcoming transfer period without suitable arrivals first. He acknowledges Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee seek greater involvement, with Mainoo favouring a temporary switch and Zirkzee linked with interest from Serie A.
Even with Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo nearing full fitness and Amad Diallo plus Noussair Mazraoui due back from the Africa Cup of Nations, he considers his resources too stretched to sanction departures.
Amorim insists filling every role remains vital due to expectations around consistent results, reiterating that United cannot afford excuses during this phase.
Seven senior figures will be unavailable for the Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle, including Mainoo, who has a calf setback, and defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. There is a chance of business in January, though Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo will not be an option as he is heading to Manchester City.
A midfield reinforcement could help if either Zirkzee or Mainoo moves on, yet financial logic questions the idea, given any newcomer would likely earn significantly more than the 20-year-old academy graduate.
With Mainoo absent, 18-year-old Jack Fletcher may bolster choices alongside Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte through the festive period.
Amorim stresses that new additions must align with the club’s forward-looking framework rather than short-term patchwork. He cites young prospects like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, alongside the imminent returns of first-team players, as reasons for patience.
No clarity has been provided regarding the futures of Casemiro or Maguire, both permitted to discuss moves from 1 January.
Casemiro’s displays in training illustrate commitment despite the looming end to his United chapter, unless he accepts a notable wage reduction.
Mainoo was initially expected to grow by learning from Casemiro but instead has competed directly with him, with the experienced Brazilian earning the starting role.
Amorim, often questioned for his selection choices, maintains Mainoo has the quality to eventually become central to the club’s direction. He highlights the youngster’s adaptability, capable of covering holding duties or operating further ahead, even in roles Mason Mount has taken recently.
Amorim believes circumstances change rapidly in football, and Mainoo’s moment will arrive if he remains patient.
