Five players who could leave Manchester United this winter | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not willing to let any players leave in the winter transfer window unless replacements are signed. 

However, with the 2026 World Cup scheduled in June, fringe stars will likely push to leave Old Trafford next month in search of more game time. 

Below we look at five United players who could make a January transfer. 

Kobbie Mainoo

Amorim has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo remains part of his long-term plans. 

But the 20-year-old has been left frustrated with lack of first-team opportunities. He has yet to start in the Premier League, with all his 11 appearances coming off the bench. 

Mainoo will be desperate for more opportunities to boost his chances for a spot in England’s World Cup squad. 

The midfielder is not short of suitors, with both Chelsea and Napoli credited with an interest in the youngster. 

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee came to United in 2024 for a fee worth £36.5 million. 

But he has failed to live up to expectations in Manchester, scoring just seven goals in 84 senior appearances. 

Zirkzee has been on the fringes of the squad this season, starting only three Premier League games. 

Roma have proposed to take the Netherlands international on loan with an obligation to buy included, but it remains to be seen how United respond. 

Tyrell Malacia

The Red Devils wanted to sell Tyrell Malacia last summer, but a transfer didn’t materialise. 

The last remaining member of the ‘Bomb Squad’ has been reintegrated into the squad, and he played for two minutes against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. 

But Malacia clearly has no future at the Premier League club, with his contract expiring in six months’ time. 

United are said to be open to a loan or a permanent sale for the 26-year-old this winter. 

Diego Leon

Diego Leon arrived at Old Trafford in the summer for a fee worth up to £7m. 

But the Manchester giants are determined to take it slow with the 18-year-old, who is yet to make his senior debut. 

United may consider sending Leon on loan for his development. 

Keeping the teenager at the club for a few more months in their youth ranks is also an option. 

Harry Amass

Harry Amass is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, where he has started 18 league games so far. 

Wednesday want to extend his stay until the end of the season, but their current situation means they don’t have much leverage. 

The Owls are sitting at the bottom of the table on -8 points after suffering two points deductions. 

A host of Championship clubs are interested in signing Amass, who has shown a lot of potential so far. 

Stats from Transfermarkt