Manchester United is preparing for discussions with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January transfer window, as both players are anxious about their limited playing time under head coach Ruben Amorim, sources informed ESPN.
Mainoo’s request for a loan move from Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window was rejected by the club.
The 20-year-old has yet to make a start in a Premier League match this season.
Similarly, Zirkzee has not started a league game and has only logged 74 minutes over three appearances, while Mainoo has accumulated 113 minutes in five outings.
After missing a spot in the England squad for international matches in September and October, Mainoo, who participated in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, is concerned about his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead of the World Cup.
Zirkzee is also conscious that he needs to increase his playing time to have a chance at being selected for the Netherlands squad for the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting in June.
According to ESPN sources, Napoli, who expressed interest in Mainoo last August, might be an option for his transfer. There is also interest from teams in the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Zirkzee has been linked with a potential return to Serie A.
Nevertheless, any transfers for Mainoo or Zirkzee would require approval from Manchester United.
Insiders have indicated that despite their struggle to secure starting positions in Amorim’s lineup, both players are still regarded as important members of the matchday squad.
Discussions are expected to be held before the January transfer window if their opportunities for consistent game time do not improve.
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Additional pressure is on Mainoo due to the significance of an academy record that has been upheld for over 87 years.
Manchester United has had an academy player featured in every matchday squad since October 1937.
In the recent match against Sunderland, Mainoo was the only eligible player from the academy, and his departure could jeopardize this longstanding streak.
“We want to keep it going,” Amorim stated in September. “Manchester United’s legacy is built on homegrown talent. I don’t want to be the one who ends that tradition.”