Manchester United may lose another player in January, with Joshua Zirkzee now set on leaving after being benched against Wolves. The Dutch forward is frustrated with limited minutes and wants regular football. Kobbie Mainoo is also open to leaving on loan. With interest from Roma and Napoli growing, United could face a challenging winter window.
UNITED STRUGGLE TO KEEP SQUAD HAPPY
United’s lighter schedule has reduced rotation, leaving several players short of opportunities. Zirkzee has been one of the biggest victims, playing only three times from the bench in the opening eleven league games. That lack of action has made him worry about missing out on the Netherlands squad for the World Cup.
Mainoo is in a similar position. Despite being highly rated, he has yet to start a Premier League match. Young players need consistent minutes to grow and he feels stuck on the bench. Even when injuries gave both players a brief chance, those openings quickly disappeared.
ROMA PUSH FOR ZIRKZEE AS UNITED FACE A BIG DECISION
Roma’s interest has only added more weight to the Joshua Zirkzee Manchester United exit rumours. Zirkzee’s frustration grew after Matheus Cunha returned to fitness before the Wolves match. Zirkzee had started three games in a row and scored a nice goal against Crystal Palace, but was dropped as soon as Cunha became available.
Coming on for only six minutes at Molineux convinced him his future lies elsewhere. Roma have been in contact for weeks and are now prepared to accelerate talks. Their offer is a loan with an obligation to buy for around €35m, activated only if they qualify for the Champions League.
United must now decide whether to let him go. With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo set for AFCON and injuries already hitting the attack this season, losing Zirkzee could leave them short unless a new forward arrives. Meanwhile, Napoli are trying to sign Mainoo on loan, with United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt even encouraging him to leave for more minutes.
FANS SHARE MIXED VIEWS ON ZIRKZEE AND MAINO OUTFLOWS
Fans are split on Zirkzee. Some think he should have been given more minutes, while others feel he may not be the long-term answer up front. His limited chances make it hard for supporters to judge him fairly.
Mainoo’s situation has sparked similar debate. Many fans believe a loan would help his development, while others worry United could lose another top academy talent. Scholes and Butt urging him to leave has only increased the noise around his future.
THE IMPACT OF A JANUARY EXIT FOR UNITED
Letting Zirkzee leave in January could weaken United’s depth in attack. Sesko and Cunha have both dealt with injuries this season, and AFCON will take away more options at a crucial stage. Losing him now may leave Amorim short of cover.
Mainoo leaving would also thin out midfield choices during a busy run of fixtures. Still, both players could benefit personally from a move, gaining regular minutes and improving their chances of making their national teams for the World Cup.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
Zirkzee and Mainoo wanting out is understandable, but United risk creating more problems if both leave this winter. With injuries and depth concerns already showing, losing them early could create even bigger problems for Amorim in the second half of the season.
As featured on ManUNews.com
