West Ham United have learned what Manchester United’s stance is on Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim has managed to steady the ship at Old Trafford, but there are certain players who have fallen out of favour with him.
Neither Mainoo nor Zirkzee are regular starters for the Manchester outfit and have been linked with exits.
Joshua Zirkzee reacts after Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim prioritises keeping Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
Amorim has told the Manchester United duo that he will put the club first when deciding whether or not he wants to sanction their exits in the January window.
West Ham are keen on signing Mainoo as they’re looking to bolster their midfield ranks and the England international is playing second fiddle to Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Zirkzee is also on their radar, given their issues in the final third and with Niclas Fullkrug facing an uncertain future.
Premier League stats 25/26 Kobbie Mainoo
Appearances 7
Pass accuracy 87.3%
Key passes 4
Dribbles 6
Ahead of the World Cup next summer, the duo want to explore their options in order to secure regular game time and impress their respective head coaches.
However, their exits are far from guaranteed, as the Portuguese manager would rather they stay if their presence on the bench is beneficial to the club.
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He said: “The first thing is that the club comes first, so we have to think about the club and the team, and then everything can happen.
“I was a football player, I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation, so I don’t know what is going to happen.
“I want my players to be happy. I understand the frustration of some players, seeing that the World Cup is there, and I know what it means for the World Cup, but Manchester United comes first. So if I can help the club and the players, I will be happy, if not I have to think about the team.”
Kobbie Mainoo dejected after Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo could convince Mainoo to join West Ham
It makes sense for the Hammers to explore their options and at least see whether or not Mainoo is open to a move to the London Stadium.
He would most certainly walk into the starting eleven and could thrive in the middle of the park alongside the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Mateus Fernandes.
Opening talks is very much a possibility and if Nuno is hell-bent on the 20-year-old, he may personally ring him up in order to convince him.
West Ham fans will be hoping that before the window opens, the club know who their primary targets are.