Manchester United lock horns with bitter rivals Liverpool this weekend, but under-fire manager Reuben Amorim has some off-field issues to contend with
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim (R) watches as Manchester United's Dutch striker #11 Joshua Zirkzee (L) leaves the pitch after being substituted off for Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Mainoo (centre) has not played many minutes this season(Image: DARREN STAPLES, AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool and Manchester United are both yet to find their form this season, making their upcoming weekend clash all the more captivating. Despite a strong start with five consecutive victories, Liverpool have hit a stumbling block, losing three straight matches across all competitions.
Old Trafford has seen an influx of new talent, including Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Mathues Cunha, brought in to bolster the United attack. However, they've yet to gel as a team, leaving them in 10th place in the Premier League table with just three wins from seven matches. Sunday's match offers a chance to kick-start their season.
Even though the transfer window is shut and January is still some way off, speculation continues to surround Amorim's squad, with significant player movement seeming likely. In light of these rumours and the impending game this weekend, MEN examines the latest news emanating from Old Trafford.
Amorim's 'personal issue' with Mainoo
Former United defender Paul Parker suggests that Amorim has a personal problem with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The promising youngster has seen little action so far this season, despite having been lauded in recent years for his impressive skills and ability to perform at the top level with ease.
Erik ten Hag was a big fan of Mainoo and gave him his break, which led to him being selected for England at Euro 2024. However, he has not been fancied by Amorim at all, and his minutes have deteriorated massively.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United trains during a training session at Carrington Training Ground on September 26, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Mainoo wants game time ahead of the World Cup(Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
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Speaking to MyBettingSites, Parker said: "We also have to ask why Mainoo hasn't been used in that midfield. Somewhere along the line because I've been looking at it, it has to be personal. It has to be personal, and the truth has to be told somewhere. He doesn't like him or he doesn't like him as a player. It doesn't make any sense at all."
Mainoo has been the subject of transfer speculation, having shown interest in a temporary move during the summer to feature in next year's World Cup. Parker addressed this: "It would cause big problems if they allow Mainoo to go because he's a local boy. But it's not just about that. It's about what he's achieved in a short space of time, and he hasn't been given the time and the respect."
Three potential acquisitions identified
Midfield stalwart Casemiro is anticipated to depart when his deal runs out at the conclusion of this campaign, while Mainoo could also be destined for the exit, meaning United will be hunting for central midfield players come the summer window.
Three candidates are understood to be under consideration by the Red Devils. Adam Wharton has been extensively linked as a prospective addition to the ranks, following his standout displays for Crystal Palace of late.
Another player on United's radar is Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is also reportedly being chased by city rivals Manchester City. However, United could make a move for him in 2026. Anderson made his England debut in early September and put on an impressive display under Thomas Tuchel.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace looks on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on September 20, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Adam Wharton has been heavily linked with a move to United
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Brighton's Carlos Baleba is the third option. United had their eyes on him last summer, but Brighton's hefty £100m-plus price tag for the rising star was simply too steep. Despite this, it appears that United will be re-entering talks with Brighton in the new year.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano informed his followers that Baleba remains a target for United, despite them missing out on him last summer. He added that Baleba was keen on the move but didn't want to force it, showing respect for his current club.
Romano also noted that Brighton are not looking to sell, making it highly unlikely that a deal will be struck in January unless there's a significant offer or a transfer request is submitted.
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