West Ham United enquire about Manchester United’s out-of-favour players Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United have somewhat got their season back on track with three consecutive wins in the Premier League after a disastrous start to the 2025/26 season. Besides the see-saw battle on the field, there are tensions surrounding the unclear future of United’s midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo and forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Just as their futures are in discussions, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has come up with a report on his YouTube video that West Ham United have contacted the Red Devils to facilitate a loan move for the duo. The Hammers know very well that their team needs an injection of fresh energy and creativity due to their struggles in the ongoing season. Hence, they want to lure both Mainoo and Zirkzee with consistent game time, which they are not receiving currently at Old Trafford.
However, United have given them a no-nonsense response. The manager, Ruben Amorim, does not want to get into any sort of discussions, even for a short loan. Many fans are still questioning Mainoo’s lack of game time and reduced importance under Amorim, despite having a bright start to his first-team career. In hindsight, we can definitely understand the situation of Zirkzee after United spent a fortune to get the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to strengthen their frontline this summer.
Amorim’s new system demands constant movement and discipline, and both players struggle to fit within that setup. Meanwhile, earlier reports also said that United want to block moves for Mainoo in January, while Sevilla plan a January loan for Zirkzee, who feels frustrated with his lack of game time. All these continue to build tension as the winter window approaches, testing how United manage their depth and handle young talent.
Why Mainoo’s Future Matters More Than Zirkzee’s Situation?
West Ham United enquire about Manchester United's out-of-favour players Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
If Amorim lets one of them leave, Mainoo’s departure will hurt more than Zirkzee’s. The Dutch forward brings talent, but United hold enough attacking options. Zirkzee’s record this season, two starts and no goals by the end of October, shows he hasn’t settled into Amorim’s attacking rhythm, and currently has no role.
Mainoo, on the other hand, gives United something rare: a midfielder who blends calm passing with pride from the academy. He links defence and attack better than anyone in the squad, and losing him, even on loan, will leave a clear gap.
Amorim’s system creates the real issue. His 3-4-3 shape focuses heavily on wide play and direct runs through midfield, areas that don’t suit Mainoo’s controlled rhythm. However, that balance is what United often lose when matches grow chaotic.
The 40-year-old adds intensity but sacrifices control by keeping Mainoo out. If he lets the 20-year-old English midfielder leave, United will lose one of their best natural connector in midfield. Zirkzee’s absence, however, will probably create less disruption because Amorim can rotate other forwards.
United fans should question more than just team selection. They should ask whether Amorim values his system more than the players who define the club’s future. If January arrives and Mainoo still sits on the bench, people will shift the talk from missed opportunity to poor judgment.