Laurie Whitwell confirms what it would take for Man United to bring ‘substantial’ player in in January

Laurie Whitwell does not expect Manchester United to make any ‘substantial’ signings in the January window.However, they may do so if INEOS grant Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee’s wishes to leave on loan.The out-of-favour duo have endured quiet starts to the season after falling in Ruben Amorim’s pecking order upon the arrival of United’s summer acquisitions.Zirkzee and Mainoo vying to regain roles under Amorim(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Both were made to watch on last Saturday afternoon as United rescued a late point via a 2-2 draw at the City Ground, with the Reds unable to make any impact of their own.For Mainoo, it marked the first game since the second matchweek of the term that he had been an unused substitute, whilst it was the sixth time that Zirkzee had spent the full 90 minutes watching on from the bench.They’ve also yet to make a Premier League start between them, which, in the build-up to a World Cup year, makes it no surprise the pair are angling to explore new options mid-campaign. Player Appearances (PL) Minutes played Mainoo 7 138 Zirkzee 4 82 Numerous reports have suggested that INEOS will block their moves, primarily because Amorim will have a slightly depleted squad come January when Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui jet off to represent their respective nations at AFCON.When they return, though, United will still have only one game a week to account for, meaning Zirkzee and Mainoo will likely drop right back to the bench for the remainder of the season.Whitwell: Loans hinge on player departures(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Should the hierarchy allow either to depart, Whitwell believes a loan signing may be pursued to ensure all bases are covered for Amorim.“I’d be surprised if anyone substantial came in January. Maybe if Kobbie Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee go out on loan, then they [United] might bring in someone on a temporary basis,” explained the reputable journalist on the Talk of the Devils podcast.