Here is a closer look at some Manchester United headlines as Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly eyed as part of a swap deal, and Kobbie Mainoo's behaviour at the club is discussed
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from Manchester United
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Manchester United have already been linked with several moves as the January transfer window approaches. The Red Devils may have a lighter fixture list than usual this season, but plenty of work will be going on behind the scenes to ensure the club have the right squad to secure a return to European football.
Ruben Amorim is making the most of United not having midweek cup games and has guided his team to a four-game unbeaten run. However, the lack of matches has meant the United boss has been unable to give some of his squad players a way to force their way back into the team.
Amorim has admitted that he expects some United stars will ask for a move away from Old Trafford in January. Two of those who have been struggling for game time are Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
Joshua Zirkzee swap transfer plan
Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly a target for Roma following his struggles to nail down a place in the United team. The arrival of three new forwards in the summer has pushed Zirkzee further down the pecking order, restricting him to just 90 minutes of action across five substitute appearances.
The 24-year-old is also claimed to have attracted interest from West Ham, but the forward is said to have doubts about joining the Hammers. Alternatively, Sport Witness reports that Roma have offered United the chance to sign striker Artem Dovbyk as part of a swap deal with Zirkzee.
The report explains that United are not interested in signing Dovbyk, who has registered two goals and two assists in 13 appearances this season. However, Roma are attempting to agree a favourable deal for a player who is currently out of favour at Old Trafford.
It is claimed that the Italian side would prefer a loan deal for Zirkzee, who was signed from Bologna last summer. Meanwhile, Zirkzee's main focus will be on increasing his minutes to earn a place in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Artem Dovbyk of Roma
Artem Dovbyk signed for Roma in 2024 after a prolific season at Girona
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Kobbie Mainoo antics spotted
Ruben Amorim has admitted that Kobbie Mainoo's positive approach to training has been noted. However, the United boss confessed that the 20-year-old midfielder still faces an uphill battle to regain his place in the team.
Amorim has favoured the midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes this season, reducing Mainoo to 138 minutes of Premier League action. Amorim has explained that United's early Carabao Cup exit and lack of European football have not helped Mainoo's cause.
The England international previously requested to leave on loan in the summer. He was part of the Three Lions squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, but has not featured under Thomas Tuchel.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United
Ruben Amorim has discussed Kobbie Mainoo's chances of getting back into the Manchester United team
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"I see Kobbie Mainoo training today, and he deserves to play, but then I have to take one guy that is playing really well," Amorim told beIN Sports. "We should have played yesterday in the Carabao Cup because I need to see Kobbie Mainoo playing.
"I need to see Joshua, all these guys. They deserve to play, but in the end, with one game, you need to make choices. So, we have both sides, but we are taking advantage of the good side of not playing in the middle of the week."
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