Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee could be in line for ‘key roles’ at Man United as January exit set to be blocked
Ruben Amorim may be making a shock u-turn on the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee at Man United due to one condition.
Mainoo couldn’t force through a loan move away from Man United in the summer, with the 20-year-old desperate to reignite his career.
Joshua Zirkzee stayed at Old Trafford, as Man United let Rasmus Hojlund leave for Napoli, after signing Benjamin Sesko.
Man United’s 4-2 win over Brighton currently has Amorim’s side sixth in the Premier League table, just a point outside the Champions League places.
AFCON to impact Man United squad
Amorim is set be without three key players during the December and January period due to the African Cup of Nations [AFCON].
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all expected to represent their countries at the tournament.
As per The Sun [27 October] that could mean Mainoo and Zirkzee play “key roles” during their absence, which could block any move out of the club in the January window.
Man United starting to build momentum
Following a difficult start to the season, Man United have won four of their past five matches, but losing players to AFCON could hit that progress.
| Premier League | Man United 4-2 Brighton |
| Premier League | Liverpool 1-2 Man United |
| Premier League | Man United 2-0 Sunderland |
| Premier League | Brentford 3-1 Man United |
| Premier League | Man Untied 2-1 Chelsea |
Mbeumo has scored three goals in his past two matches, whilst Diallo is a crucial player in the right wing-back role.
Though their departures will bring an opportunity for others, like Mainoo and Zirkzee, to gain playing time in what could be a pivotal spell for the pair to reignite their fortunes.