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Amorim Shuts Door on January Moves for Mainoo and Zirkzee as AFCON Window Nears

United are steering away from mid-season departures to preserve cover during AFCON-enforced absences.

Overview

  • Fabrizio Romano reports Manchester United are not opening January talks for Kobbie Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee, with Rúben Amorim insisting both stay through the winter schedule.
  • Depth concerns extend beyond AFCON as Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu are one caution away from suspension thresholds, increasing the need for midfield and defensive cover.
  • Napoli intend to renew their pursuit of Mainoo in January after summer contact, according to Italian reports, testing United’s stance despite limited minutes for the 20-year-old.
  • Mainoo has logged just 138 Premier League minutes across seven appearances, and Zirkzee has yet to start this season, though Amorim has publicly backed Mainoo’s development.
  • Separate reporting indicates Napoli are confident of turning Rasmus Hojlund’s loan into a permanent deal via an option to buy, with a decision expected to be finalised soon.