Elliot Anderson
December 2025
Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025
Everton are reported to be considering January loan moves for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, but any deal is described as complex and expensive, with United undecided on exits. Moyes has played down expectations of heavy January business. Everton’s interest is framed as opportunistic loans rather than quick fixes, with injuries and AFCON absences squeezing depth. Reports claim Grealish’s loan has improved Everton’s pull for higher-profile targets and could be used as part of the pitch, while the club follows a multi-window strategy.
Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025
Ruben Amorim has warned that Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will not be allowed to leave in January unless Manchester United secure replacements, despite both fringe players exploring moves to gain more minutes after limited starts so far this season. With Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo at AFCON and Bruno Fernandes injured, Amorim says United are already “short” and cannot weaken further, insisting outgoings are contingent on new arrivals as the club juggles squad depth with players’ career ambitions and constant pressure to win.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Nani has contrasted Ruben Amorim’s disciplinary headaches with Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, insisting United’s current issues with “entitled” youngsters clapping back on social media would never have arisen when the legendary Scot’s “hairdryer” authority controlled the dressing room. Amorim publicly called out academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi for entitlement and social-media replies, while handling Kobbie Mainoo’s “Free Kobbie” T-shirt saga calmly, stating he will pick the midfielder purely on merit and that his door is open for any player talks.
Joshua Zirkzee
December 2025
Manchester United have opted to postpone a call on Joshua Zirkzee’s future until later in January, despite the striker’s limited role. He has made 11 appearances but only four starts, logging 372 minutes and one goal while sitting behind Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s No.9 hierarchy. With wide forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away at AFCON and Bruno Fernandes plus Kobbie Mainoo injured, United are wary of further weakening depth before the window’s final weeks. The club will reassess once the injury and fixture picture is clearer, balancing Zirkzee’s need for minutes against squad protection.
Manchester United
December 2025
Manchester United are drawing up plans for a new long-term midfield partnership next summer, closely tracking Premier League talents including Anderson, Wharton, Baleba and Scott as doubts grow over the futures of Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo and Ugarte in Amorim’s evolving squad. With high earners Fernandes and Casemiro potentially sellable, Mainoo frustrated by minutes and Ugarte yet to win Amorim’s trust, United expect to fund at least one big midfield signing via outgoing deals, prioritising younger profiles on sensible wages after missing out on Declan Rice in 2023.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United are braced for a difficult festive period after losing captain Bruno Fernandes to a soft tissue hamstring problem during the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, with Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and several AFCON-bound players already unavailable. Despite warning that United will “struggle”, Amorim insisted he will not beg for January reinforcements, saying the club must avoid panic buys, stick to their long-term recruitment plan and rely on youngsters and tactical flexibility to grind out results with a depleted squad.
Kobbie Mainoo
December 2025
Manchester United have relaxed their hard line on Kobbie Mainoo before the January window, now willing to listen to exceptional offers for the midfielder after months of limited league minutes and mounting external pressure despite still describing him as central to their long term plans. The shift follows the viral “Free Kobbie Mainoo” message worn by his brother at Old Trafford and rising fan frustration, yet United see little value in a loan because of his academy level contract and the extra recruitment it would force in midfield mid season.
Kobbie Mainoo
December 2025
Manchester United have decided not to entertain permanent offers for Kobbie Mainoo in January despite his lack of league starts, reaffirming their belief in the 20-year-old’s long-term potential while remaining open to a possible loan if circumstances demand game time elsewhere. Ruben Amorim insists Mainoo can still change his mind through training performances, hinting at a future deeper role if United switch to three midfielders, while citing Casemiro’s resurgence as proof that patience and persistence can restore status within his merit-based selection approach.
