Manchester United’s poor start to the new season has seen the team languish in 10th place in the Premier League table while exiting the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town.
Apart from Ruben Amorim’s flawed tactics, his selection calls have also come under fire, with the head coach refusing to turn to young players in the squad.
Despite the obvious issues in midfield, Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this season, prompting the Englishman to try and secure an exit in the summer.
Napoli are among the sides interested and there are murmurs that he could look to leave again in the winter, provided it only a simple loan arrangement.
Zirkzee, Mainoo lack of minutes
Another player who has been unfairly overlooked is Joshua Zirkzee, who has seen a total of 82 minutes of action in all competitions.
With Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha signed in the summer, and Mason Mount showing an impressive resurgence in form, there is hardly any space for the Dutchman.
Both players have one eye on their respective World Cup squads, and as per ESPN, INEOS are expected to sit down and talk with both over their reduced game time.
While both are looking to leave, the co-owners do not want to lose them as they feel they are valuable members of the squad.
Amorim, himself, does not want the ex-Bologna ace to leave, and an interesting face-to-face meeting is looming.
“Manchester United are braced for talks with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told ESPN, with both players concerned about a lack of game time under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Key meeting coming up
“Sources have told ESPN that Napoli, who registered an interest in Mainoo in August, would be an option if he moves. There’s also interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga.
“Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A. However, any deal for either Mainoo or Zirkzee would require the greenlight from United.
“Sources close to the club have pointed to the fact that, while both players have struggled to force their way into Amorim’s starting XI, they remain key members of each matchday squad. Talks are set to take place before the January window if their prospects of regular game time do not improve.”
Given the lack of matches this term, it does not look like the situation will change too drastically unless there are multiple injuries.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
