Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that no players will be allowed to leave the club during the January transfer window unless proper replacements are brought in. This decision comes as squad depth remains a concern, even with several key players returning from injury and international duty.

Mainoo and Zirkzee Eye More Game Time

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and forward Joshua Zirkzee have both been linked with moves to secure more regular playing time in the second half of the season. Mainoo had reportedly hoped for a loan move to Napoli, while Zirkzee has been linked with a potential return to Italy. However, Amorim’s strict policy means that departures will only occur if the club signs suitable replacements.

“It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution,” Amorim told the media. “We are short. Even with the full squad we are short for something that can happen. We are a club with a big responsibility… we need to win every game. There are no excuses.”

Squad Challenges Ahead

Amorim will be without seven senior players for the upcoming Boxing Day clash against Newcastle, including Mainoo, who is still sidelined with a calf injury. Defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also unavailable. Despite these absences, the head coach insists that the team has a long-term plan in place.

While Manchester United may sign players in January, Amorim confirmed that Antoine Semenyo, who had been linked with United, will instead join Manchester City. Any potential additions must fit into the club’s future vision, rather than being short-term stopgaps.

Youth Prospects Step Up

With Mainoo’s limited availability, 18-year-old England youth international Jack Fletcher will provide competition in midfield alongside Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Manuel Ugarte during the busy festive period. Amorim emphasized the importance of integrating academy talent into the first team while awaiting the return of key players like Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo.

Mainoo: A Future Star for United

Despite criticism for limited game time, Amorim remains confident that Mainoo is destined to become a key figure at Manchester United. “Kobbie Mainoo has played in different positions. He can do Casemiro’s position. He can play if we play with three. He is going to be the future of Manchester United. He just needs to wait for his chance. In football, everything can change in two days.”

Mainoo has been competing with Casemiro for a midfield role, and although the Brazil captain has currently secured the starting spot, the young academy graduate is viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s future plans.

Transfer Window Outlook

Amorim also declined to comment on the contract situations of Casemiro and Maguire, both of whom are free to negotiate with other clubs starting January 1. The coach reiterated that Manchester United will only pursue signings that align with the club’s long-term objectives, rather than making short-term moves that do not strengthen the team for the future.

With European qualification and Premier League positioning at stake, January transfers will be crucial, but Amorim is determined to prioritize squad balance and development over quick fixes.