Mainoo, Zirkzee receive United’s answer regarding winter exit plans | OneFootball

Manchester United came out of a tricky contest with bogey side Brighton and Hove Albion with all three points courtesy of a 4-2 win.

Matheus Cunha broke his goalscoring drought, Casemiro netted one while Bryan Mbeumo got into the act as the Red Devils took a commanding 3-0 lead within 60 minutes.

It was at this time Ruben Amorim decided to hand minutes to fringe players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo. And the decision almost backfired spectacularly.

The Seagulls pulled two goals back, with the Englishman struggling to hold on to possession in the middle of the park while the forward was at fault for Brighton’s second as he failed to mark his man from a corner.

Both Zirkzee, Mainoo want January exits

Inconsistency from the pair can be expected given they both have struggled for regular minutes this season, and have not started a single game in the Premier League.

And both are looking to jump ship in January as they are desperate to make the cut for their national teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

As previously relayed by The Peoples Person, INEOS were set to be meet with the disgruntled duo regarding their future, and now, The Sun have revealed that a decision has been taken by the club.

With Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui all expected to depart for the African Cup of Nations in December, Amorim will be short on numbers, especially on the right.

As a result, the 20-time English league champions will block all exit requests from players, with Zirkzee and Mainoo set for “key roles” during that period.

“MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to block requests from their players to leave in the January transfer window amid an expectant squad shortage.

United to block their exits

“Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have had limited playing time this season but both are in line for key roles around Christmas time.

“United are due to be without influential forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Amad in December as they will almost certainly be called up by their nations for the Africa Cup of Nations. Full back Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to report for host nation Morocco.”

Both the Carrington graduate and the ex-Bologna ace excelled as attacking midfielders under the Portuguese tactician last term, and they are likely to see increased minutes during the busy winter period.

Now, it is up to the duo to grab their chance when opportunity comes to ensure results and standards do not slip. That will be the perfect way to answer critics and change Amorim’s mind moving forward.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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