Ruben Amorim Shuts Door on Man Utd January Departures, Leaving Mainoo and Zirkzee in Uncertain Future

Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Manchester United will not sanction any player departures during the January transfer window, effectively ending hopes of mid-season exits for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. The decision comes as United remain on the edge of the Champions League qualification positions, yet there appears to be no intention to reshape or strengthen the squad during the winter market.

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Ruben Amorim confirms Manchester United will not allow any January exits, impacting Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee as the club pushes for Champions League qualification.

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‎Despite sitting within touching distance of the top four, United are not expected to make any transfer moves in January. Amorim is determined to keep his current group intact as the club navigates a demanding period of the season.

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‎Setback for Mainoo and Zirkzee

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‎Joshua Zirkzee recently found the net in a disappointing draw against Wolves but was substituted at half-time after being involved in the visitors’ equaliser. The Dutch forward has struggled to make a consistent impact since completing a £34 million ($45m) transfer from Bologna in the summer of 2024. His performances have attracted interest from Roma, although the Serie A side are reportedly only considering a loan move rather than a permanent deal.

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‎Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, remains sidelined with injury and has yet to start a Premier League match this season. The midfielder has again asked to leave on loan, having made a similar request back in August. However, with United currently missing eight players due to injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim is unwilling to thin out his squad further. He also hinted that no new signings are expected over the coming month.

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‎Amorim Anticipates No Squad Changes

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‎Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leeds, Amorim dismissed the possibility of January movement. He explained that the club has no plans to alter the squad, stressing the importance of focusing on upcoming fixtures rather than transfer speculation. While United are close to the Champions League places, they are also aware of how tightly packed the table is behind them.

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‎When questioned directly about whether any players had expressed a desire to leave, Amorim denied receiving such requests, adding that he does not expect players to approach him about departures.

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‎United Should Be Higher, Says Amorim

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‎Manchester United have been unable to break into the top five despite recent slips from teams such as Liverpool and Chelsea. At the halfway stage of the season, they sit on 30 points, level with fifth-placed Chelsea and three points behind Liverpool. Although the position is respectable, Amorim admitted that his side should be doing better.

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‎He noted that performances have improved, particularly when the squad is at full strength, and highlighted progress in attacking play. However, he acknowledged that fine margins have cost the team points and insisted that higher standards are required.

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‎Preparing for a Hostile Trip to Leeds

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‎United travel to Elland Road on Sunday for Amorim’s first away fixture against historic rivals Leeds. Despite the clubs not meeting frequently in recent decades due to Leeds’ time outside the top flight, the rivalry remains intense. Amorim is expecting a hostile atmosphere and believes his players must be fully prepared for the challenge.

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‎The United manager pointed out Leeds’ pace as a potential threat, an area where his team has sometimes struggled. He stressed that every Premier League match is demanding and that playing for Manchester United requires readiness for any environment. Amorim also highlighted the importance of preparing young players such as Bendito Mantato, Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher, who have been called upon due to the club’s injury situation.

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‎He concluded by emphasizing that, despite the noise and pressure at Elland Road, his squad must be ready to cope, adapt during the game and compete in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.