Several key players could make a move away from Manchester United in the January transfer window, and Ruben Amorim has already addressed the possibility of exits
Ruben Amorim arrives at a Manchester United match
Ruben Amorim has made his stance clear on players potentially leaving Manchester United during the January transfer window
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Manchester United face some significant decisions in the upcoming January transfer window as several players' futures at the club hang in the balance. Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo were rumoured to be leaving during the summer but ultimately remained at United.
As the transfer window looms, speculation about their future at Old Trafford has once again begun to circulate. Both players command substantial wages within the squad. Capology claims that Zirkzee earns around £5.5million per year, while Mainoo is said to earn approximately £1.3million annually.
The former has reportedly caught the attention of Roma. Serie A is a league the Dutch forward is familiar with, having transferred to United from Italian club Bologna in the summer of 2024.
Sky Sports reports that Roma are interested in securing Zirkzee on loan, with a conditional obligation to make the deal permanent. However, the report also suggests that the forward is committed to staying and battling for his position at Old Trafford.
His recent performances have been impactful. Zirkzee scored the equalising goal against Crystal Palace last month before United clinched a 2-1 victory.
In contrast, Mainoo's future is veering away from Manchester and towards an overseas move. The young midfielder was reportedly due to join Serie A champions Napoli in the summer, but United are said to have blocked the deal.
According to the Daily Mail, clubs are ready to sign Mainoo on loan in January if United are now willing to negotiate. The report also mentions that Napoli remains the player's preferred destination after his initial request to join them was turned down.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrate during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could be heading for the exit door(Image: 2025 Marc Atkins - Getty Images)
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They suggest that the final decision will lie with United's top executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. Ruben Amorim will also have input, although United are likely to seek a replacement if any departure is approved.
Their head coach clarified his stance on January departures at the end of last month, stating he won't force either player out. Instead, they will base decisions on what is best for the club as a whole.
Amorim 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."