Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has made it clear that no players will be allowed to leave the club in January unless proper replacements are signed.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo wants a loan move to get more playing time, while striker Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move back to Italy. But Amorim says the squad is already too thin to lose anyone.
Even with captain Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo set to return from injury, and Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim feels United do not have enough players.
“It will be very difficult for anyone to leave if we don’t bring in a replacement,” Amorim said. “We are short on numbers, even with a full squad.”
Manchester United will be missing seven senior players for their Boxing Day match against Newcastle, including Mainoo, who is out with a calf injury, as well as defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
Amorim has admitted United could sign a player in January, but Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo will not be joining, as he is set for Manchester City.
While bringing in a new midfielder could help United push for a European spot, letting Mainoo go does not make financial sense, as any replacement would earn far more than the young midfielder.
If Mainoo does not return soon, 18-year-old Jack Fletcher is expected to provide midfield cover alongside Casemiro, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte during the festive period.
