Manager Ruben Amorim has informed Koby Mainu and Joshua Zirkzee that he will prioritize the club’s interests when considering their potential departures from Manchester United in January.
Both players have found it challenging to secure playing time this season and are contemplating leaving Old Trafford ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Despite their limited starting roles, both Mainu and Zirkzee are frequently included in Amorim’s matchday squad.
The Portuguese coach emphasized that he will not facilitate players’ departures unless it benefits the team. “The club takes precedence, and we must consider its wellbeing before anything else,” Amorim stated. “Having been a player myself, I understand their situations and want to support them, but the club’s interests are paramount.”
“I want the players to feel fulfilled. The ongoing World Cup adds to the frustration of some players, but Manchester United must come first. If I can assist both the club and the players, I’m eager to do so, but if I can’t, the team’s welfare has to be my priority.”
Looking ahead, aside from Mainu’s situation, United is anticipated to acquire at least one central midfielder next summer, as this position has become a concern for Amorim. He heavily relies on 33-year-old Casemiro, especially given Manuel Ugarte’s recent struggles.
Amorim, familiar with Ugarte from their shared time at Sporting CP, acknowledged the Uruguayan’s difficulties adapting to the Premier League. “Many capable players face challenges when they come here,” he noted. “Ugarte is having a tough time, and it’s our responsibility to help players transition, as circumstances can swiftly change, as we saw five weeks ago.”
“I am aware that Ugarte is not performing at his best right now, and my role is to assist him in regaining his form, as he did when he was an athlete. However, this league presents different challenges, so he must adapt and improve, particularly in training.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the ongoing challenges young talents face at major clubs like Manchester United, especially in light of their aspirations for international competitions like the World Cup. It also underscores the delicate balance managers must maintain between nurturing player growth and prioritizing team success, a dynamic that impacts fan expectations and club performance overall.
