Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United’s clear stance on two possible departures from Old Trafford as interest for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee rises.
Manchester United sit on 25 points in the Premier League as Ruben Amorim’s side aim to hunt down a spot in the Champions League for the first time since Erik ten Hag was manager.
Amorim has consistently cemented his 3-4-2-1 formation into the squad despite heavy doubters. This has meant that particular squad profiles are not as suited to the system and have received limited game time.
Both Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have had a bumpy ride with Amorim in the driving seat as investment has gone heavily into reinforcing United’s attack, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer.
United look to strengthen their midfield with more suited profiles, with names such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba appearing in transfer rumours.
With a lack of game time leaving both Mainoo and Zirkzee wanting an exit, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed United’s intentions with both players ahead of the January transfer window, with top clubs looking in their direction.
Napoli and Roma are pushing to sign Mainoo and Zirkzee
In recent weeks, Roma have appeared to have a hot interest in Zirkzee as they pursuit the Serie A title despite heavy attacking injuries. The Italian giants have already made contact with United and Zirkzee ahead of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Napoli are aiming to reunite Mainoo with former teammates, Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay, who both seem to have found a new life in Naples. Antonio Conte’s side are in the midst of a midfield injury crisis, and recruitment is crucial to claim the top spot from current league leaders, AC Milan.
In his latest video on his official YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Roma hold a “very strong” interest in Zirkzee, which he also described as “very concrete”.
The Italian journalist also revealed that it is a similar story from Napoli’s perspective with Mainoo, but the 20-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of at least ten other clubs.
However, United have no intention of being short of squad depth over the winter, especially with the temporary departures of Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui who all go on international duty for the African Cup of Nations.
Could Man United change their stance on Mainoo and Zirkzee in late January?
With AFCON ending in the middle of January, Romano confirmed that United have made up their mind concerning the first half of the window. But, the implication is that the situation could change when United’s African stars return from the competition.
This could also be dependant on how Zirkzee and Mainoo deal with their bigger responsibilities in the squad in the absence of United’s AFCON stars, as well as Roma and Napoli’s needs for reinforcement at that point in the future.
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Meanwhile, Zirkzee is still expected to see more minutes in the absence of Sesko as they prepare for their next fixture, where they will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
The solidified midfield partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will likely remain as the core duo of the squad as Mainoo continues to claim a spot on the bench.
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