Transfer: Man Utd Braced for Two Transfer Requests in January
1. The background: squad context and World Cup pressure
Manchester United enter the mid-season period in a somewhat unusual position. The appointment of Rúben Amorim, the summer spending spree, and the absence of European football have all combined to reshape the expectations. According to reports, Amorim has openly acknowledged that:
“A lot of things can happen. Even in our club … you know that we have the World Cup, some players are not playing, they will ask to leave.”
Two important contextual factors stand out:
- Playing time and international aspirations: With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, players who are not getting regular minutes are increasingly mindful of their chances to secure a place in national squads. For example, players who find themselves on the periphery risk falling out of contention altogether.
- Squad structure and competition: United have made significant investments in attacking options and re-shaped certain areas of the squad. That invariably increases competition for places. At the same time, because United are not in Europe this season, rotation opportunities are fewer — meaning fringe players may see fewer minutes than ideal.
In short: the staging is set for players who feel their careers (especially internationally) may be hindered by staying inactive — and thus understandably pushing for moves in January.
2. The likely players: who are the two?
Based on available reporting, the two players most frequently named are Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee.
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is a young midfielder who, despite considerable promise, has reportedly struggled for consistent game-time this season. He was linked with a move in the summer and has been restricted to cameo appearances in the Premier League. According to one source:
“United turned down a request from Mainoo to leave at the end of the summer window.”
The implication is that Mainoo sees his long-term international prospects (with England) as being affected by his club situation, making January a logical window for a move.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee is a forward whose first-team involvement this season has been minimal — reportedly no league starts and only limited substitute appearances. He is Dutch, and for similar reasons to Mainoo, his lack of minutes is a potential risk to his national-team place. One report states:
“Zirkzee has not made a single start this season and has made only five appearances off the bench.”
Thus both Mainoo and Zirkzee represent plausible candidates for the two anticipated transfer requests.
3. Why United are expecting this (and what it signals)
When a club publicly acknowledges that it is bracing for departures, it sends multiple signals. Let’s unpack what this means for United in this specific case.
Internal management and squad morale
The fact that Amorim is discussing the possibility of requests indicates a frank acknowledgement of the challenge of managing a large squad, especially one with players who feel they should be playing more. He said he “has to manage everything”. That suggests the club understands the risk of disenchantment among players.
Retention vs. development
United appear to want to retain both players — at least for the moment. Reports suggest that the club may block requests from both Mainoo and Zirkzee if they seek exits in January. That decision reflects several underlying strategic priorities:
- The club may still believe these players have long-term value and do not want to discard them lightly.
- With a thinner squad (given lack of European matches) United may not feel able to let fringe players leave without adequate replacements.
Recruitment philosophy
Despite the anticipated outgoing requests, United’s recruitment strategy remains forward-looking. Amorim emphasized they want players “that we know we are not going to change a lot of times” — indicating focus on long-term fits rather than quick fixes. In other words: the club may well entertain outgoing requests but will remain selective about incoming business.
4. The implications of the two potential requests
The departure (or attempted departure) of Mainoo and/or Zirkzee in January would carry multiple implications for United.
For squad depth
If one or both players leave, United will need to consider the impact on depth — especially given the absence from European competition and the likelihood of fixture congestion (cup matches, league, potential continental commitment in future). The club might need to make replacements or ensure that other fringe players are ready.
For player pathway and youth development
Allowing or blocking their exits sends a message to other young players about the club’s stance on internal promotion and patience. If players see limited opportunities and are then allowed to depart, it might encourage more exits or loan requests. Conversely, blocking departures may keep the squad stable but risk discontent.
For transfer market posture
January is traditionally less active for United compared to summer windows. The signalling of possible outgoing moves may affect the club’s negotiation position — both in terms of player valuations (if departures are forced) and potential incoming acquisitions (if funds are freed up). It also sets a tone for the remainder of the season: balancing short-term ambition with long-term strategic investment.
For the players’ international prospects
From the players’ perspective, a move could rejuvenate their careers. For Mainoo and Zirkzee, regular playing time is critical for staying in contention for England and the Netherlands respectively. If United block moves and they continue to sit on the bench, it may have negative ramifications for their development and value.
5. Strategic options for United
Given this situation, United have several strategic choices to make — each with trade-offs.
- Retain the players and commit to giving them minutes
- Pros: avoids losing promising assets, maintains squad depth, sends a positive internal development message.
- Cons: may not satisfy players seeking immediate game time; if play time is still limited, risk of exit interest remaining high.
- Sell or loan them in January
- Pros: frees up wages and potentially transfer fee, provides opportunity for younger players, sends message about accountability and progress.
- Cons: risk of mis-timing the departure (if depth is needed), risk of undervaluing players, possible backlash.
- Block a move now but allow for a summer exit
- Pros: offers short-term stability and keeps options open; gives time to plan for replacements and manage contract negotiations.
- Cons: players may grow discontented, could affect morale or even performance; potential for relationship breakdown.
United appear to be leaning toward the third option: they may block immediate moves but are aware of the possibility of departures and want to manage it carefully.
6. Longer-term context and perspective
It is worth situating this scenario in the broader context of United’s recent evolution.
- After a disappointing season and missing out on European football, United are in a phase of rebuild under Amorim. The spending of around £250 million in the summer signals a willingness to commit but also raises expectations.
- The club’s decision-making now is less about short-term fixes and more about building a sustainable foundation. Amorim’s comment about “players that we know we are not going to change a lot of times” indicates a shift in mindset.
- The global football calendar, including the looming World Cup, places additional pressure on United — both to make wise recruitment decisions and to manage player ambitions.
In that light, the transfer-requests of Mainoo and Zirkzee are not just isolated events — they are symptomatic of the tensions at any big club between youth development, squad management, individual ambition, and long-term planning.
7. Conclusion
To summarise: Manchester United are bracing for two potential transfer requests in January (from Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee) under the management of Rúben Amorim. The club’s awareness of the risk underscores how deep the challenges run: balancing player ambitions, squad dynamics and strategic recruitment.
The decision tree ahead is clear but fraught: should United retain, sell or defer the departures? Whichever path they pick will have implications not just for the remainder of the season, but for the club’s credibility in player development, recruitment and management.
Ultimately, what this episode highlights is the fine line Manchester United now walk: ambition allied to patience. The January window, often seen as a moment for reactive fixes, may instead become a test of whether United can make deliberate, considered decisions consistent with their longer-term vision — while also keeping the internal equilibrium intact.
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