Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
October 2025
A report claims Fernandes could leave for £57m to non-English clubs from next summer, far below prior Saudi bids. United want their captain to stay, but inconsistent form and team struggles may test resolve. Any exit forces a creative-output replacement at value, a difficult task given market inflation and his chance-creation reliance under Amorim.
Manchester United (Premier League)
October 2025
United protested a run of home dates shifted to midweeks—Everton and Bournemouth on Mondays, West Ham in the early-December midweek—while all pre-Christmas weekends are away (Forest, Spurs, Palace, Wolves, Villa). The club cites fan travel costs and short notice. The Fans’ Forum triggered action; Berrada asked the league to lock TV picks earlier to aid planning.
Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United)
October 2025
After limited minutes under Ruben Amorim and a difficult year, Zirkzee is ready to ask out; West Ham are positioned to move for the £36m 2024 signing. Lack of trust and form at Old Trafford drives search for a reset and regular football.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
October 2025
United have pivoted from Carlos Baleba to Elliot Anderson as Ruben Amorim targets a midfield reset. With Bruno Fernandes attracting interest and Casemiro out of contract next summer, Amorim wants athletic control and line-breaking progression; Anderson fits the multi-role brief. After spending over £200m on attackers (Cunha, Mbeumo, Šeško), United left a hole at No. 6/8. Anderson’s England emergence and Forest form elevate him above Adam Wharton and Baleba. Versatility across double-pivot and hybrid 8/10 roles matches Amorim’s pressing and vertical-possession model.
René Meulensteen
October 2025
Meulensteen argued United could re-enter the title frame if current momentum holds and rivals wobble, citing fine margins, back-to-back league wins under Rúben Amorim, and proximity to Liverpool despite a stuttering start. He pointed to scenario variance—injuries, short skids—opening lanes if United stack three-plus wins to shift psychology. Emphasis is on sustaining pressing intensity and converting narrow game-state edges rather than structural overhaul before winter fixtures bite.
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
January 2026 window (reported October 2025)
Mainoo is evaluating a loan for minutes ahead of the World Cup, with Tottenham, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Brentford monitoring. United must balance development with depth needs.
Any deal requires guaranteed starts at No.8/No.6, pressing fit, and recall clauses. Outcome depends on United’s inbound midfield business and injury load through December.
Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)
October 2025
Stuttgart set €50m for Stiller despite a €40m clause they can neutralise. United’s January targets include Morten Hjulmand, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Jobe Bellingham, and Victor Froholdt.
United weigh progressive passers (Wharton) versus ball-winners (Hjulmand/Baleba). Sporting links may soften Hjulmand’s number, but January premiums, registration slots, and FFP headroom will dictate sequencing with potential outgoings.
Rúben Amorim (Manchester United)
October 2025
Amorim rejected speculation of winter departures for Mainoo and Zirkzee. Both are frustrated with minutes—Mainoo after a failed late loan request; Zirkzee amid substitute cameos—but the manager insists they are “our players” and part of the season plan. United’s uneven form increased rotation pressure and market noise. Staff value continuity through January while managing squad morale. The stance signals control of exits, with roles expected to expand via fixture congestion and targeted in-season development.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
October 2025
Amorim confirmed Fernandes remains first-choice from the spot despite two recent league misses. The captain’s long-term record—62/70 career pens (88.6%), 39/45 for United (86.6%)—underpins the decision ahead of a high-stakes trip to Liverpool. Misses versus Fulham and Brentford triggered scrutiny, but staff prioritise historical conversion and leadership stability. Amorim framed the call as evidence-led and consistent with United’s seniority structure while seeking performance reset in a difficult early-season run.