Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has played down the prospect of January loan moves for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, insisting no player will be allowed to leave unless suitable replacements are brought in.
Both Mainoo and Zirkzee are seeking more regular playing time in the second half of the season. Mainoo is keen on a loan move to aid his development, while Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italy.
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However, Amorim believes United’s squad is already stretched and cannot afford any further reduction in numbers.
Even with the expected return of captain Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo from injury, as well as Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty later in January, the Portuguese coach remains cautious.
“It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution,” Amorim said.
“We are short. Even with the full squad, we are short for things that can happen.
“We are a club with a big responsibility. We are dealing with all these issues, and, in everybody’s head, we need to win every game. There are no excuses.”
Man United will be without seven senior players for their Boxing Day clash against Newcastle. Mainoo remains sidelined with a calf injury, while defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also unavailable.
In the meantime, unless Mainoo returns to full fitness quickly, 18-year-old England youth international Jack Fletcher is expected to provide midfield cover and competition alongside Casemiro, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
