Ruben Amorim insists the club’s interests will “come first” regarding potential January transfers for out-of-favour duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, despite their need for more playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed he will put the club’s needs first when it comes to potential January transfers, according to a report from Goal.com.
The statement offers a fresh update on the futures of out-of-favour duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom have been linked with winter exits in a bid for more playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Neither player has started for the Red Devils this season, with Zirkzee having clocked just 82 Premier League minutes and academy product Mainoo recording 93 minutes since August.
Amorim, who previously suggested neither player would be allowed to leave, confirmed his stance on balancing player ambition with team necessity:
“I was a football player. I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.”
He added a clear priority statement: “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.”
The transfer window decision will be complicated by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to claim the services of United players Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui.