Concern at Manchester United: Mainoo and Zirkzee Seek More Minutes
The Manchester United is preparing for crucial conversations with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer market. Sources close to the club revealed that both players are concerned about the lack of playing time under the direction of Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo, who requested to leave Old Trafford on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, has not started a Premier League match so far this season. Zirkzee has also not started in the league and has only played 74 minutes in three appearances. Mainoo, for his part, has accumulated 113 minutes in five matches.
After not being called up for the England selection in September and October, Mainoo fears that time is running out for him to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup.Zirkzee is also aware that he needs to play more regularly to have a chance of being selected for the Netherlands national team for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which begins in June.
According to sources, Napoli, who showed interest in Mainoo in August, would be an option if the player leaves. There is also interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
Zirkzee has been linked with a possible return to Serie A.
However, any agreement for Mainoo or Zirkzee would require Manchester United’s approval.
Sources close to the club indicate that, although both players have had difficulties getting into Amorim’s starting eleven, they remain key members of the team in every match.
The conversations are scheduled for before the January market if their prospects of getting regular playing time do not improve.
An additional factor complicating Mainoo’s situation is that a record from the youth academy spanning over 87 years rests on his shoulders.
The United have had a youth academy player in every squad since October 1937.
In the last match against Sunderland, Mainoo was the only player who met the requirements, and his departure could jeopardize the end of this streak.
We want to keep it. Manchester United’s past was built on young players. I don’t want to be the one to break that.
