Manchester United: Ruben Amorim sends clear new message over double transfer decision

More business is expected at Old Trafford in January after busy summer window

Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United will put the interests of the club first when it comes to Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee potentially leaving in January.

The duo, who have not started a Premier League game between them so far this season, are both out of favour at Old Trafford as things stand and have been linked with moves away as they look to increase their chances of World Cup selection next summer.

Roma are reportedly among the clubs looking at Zirkzee, who was left out of the Netherlands’ most recent squad for the November internationals.

Mainoo, meanwhile, is keen to stay at United long-term, but is eyeing up a loan move in search of more regular minutes as he bids to get back in the England reckoning under Thomas Tuchel.

However, the looming December departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) leave Amorim short of options, with United’s interest set to be the priority.

“The first thing is that the club comes first, so we have to think about the club and the team, and then everything can happen,” Amorim said when asked about the possibility of Zirkzee and Mainoo both leaving in January.

"I was a football player, I understand everything, and I want to help my players in every situation.

Out of favour: Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start a single Premier League game this season for Manchester United

Manchester United via Getty Images

"I understand the frustration of some players, seeing that the World Cup is coming up, but Manchester United comes first, so if I can help the club and the players, I will be happy. If not, I have to think about the team."

AFCON runs from December 21 to January 18 and United could be without all of Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui for over a month.

Amorim admitted that the club are trying to delay their departures to the tournament until after the home game against Bournemouth, which takes place on December 15.

However, they are still set to miss a number of games, and with AFCON ending 13 days before the transfer window closes, Mainoo and Zirkzee could be left sweating over their futures late into January.

Amorim has also said that United will look to their academy to bolster their options when those players leave for AFCON, with Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher reportedly set to be included in the matchday squad to face Everton on Monday night.

"It will be hard for us," Amorim said when asked how he would deal with the absences of Amad, Mbeumo and Mazraoui. "But we are prepared for that. In the academy, we have guys like Jack Fletcher, Shea, a lot of guys, and they can step up."