Manchester United could be forced to sanction the exits of a few of their first-team stars in January.
Manager Ruben Amorim recently made a surprising admission, revealing that a few members of his squad could ask to leave in search of regular football.
With no European commitments this season and an early Carabao Cup exit, United’s fixture list is lighter than usual, leaving several fringe players frustrated by a lack of opportunities.
It is nearly impossible to keep an oversized squad satisfied when game time is scarce, especially with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching.
Here are four United players who could look to move on in January in pursuit of more minutes.
Kobbie Mainoo
The United Academy graduate has played 80 times for the first team since breaking through in the 2022-23 season.
He played a crucial role last season but his game time has been limited to just 138 minutes across seven league appearances.
Despite his obvious class and maturity beyond his years, Mainoo has not started a single league match this term.
He has also lost his spot in the England team to Elliot Anderson with coach Thomas Tuchel picking only those players who are featuring regularly at the club level.
Mainoo remains committed to succeeding at Old Trafford long-term, but a short-term loan move in January could be the perfect solution to reignite his rhythm ahead of the World Cup.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee has played only 82 minutes in the 2025-26 campaign after losing his starting spot to summer signing Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim has preferred to deploy Mason Mount or Matheus Cunha as makeshift strikers when Sesko is unavailable.
The lack of minutes has already seen him dropped from Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad, further fuelling speculation about a January exit.
Italian giants AS Roma are reportedly monitoring the 24-year-old closely and could offer him a fresh start and a route back into international contention.
Ayden Heaven
Ayden Heaven has barely had a chance to showcase his talent this season.
The 19-year-old has featured for just 28 minutes across two appearances, though he impressed during his cameo in the 4–2 win over Brighton.
The teenager is a highly talented centre-back who is not afraid of putting his body on the line to make crucial blocks.
Amorim has trusted Luke Shaw in the left centre-back spot and the imminent return of Lisandro Martinez will further push Heaven down the pecking order.
A loan spell may be the logical next step for the youngster to gain experience and continue his development.
Manuel Ugarte
Signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to be the long-term successor to Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte has yet to convince Amorim that he deserves a starting berth.
The Uruguayan enforcer has featured in eight league games but started only two, often looking rusty and lacking confidence with the ball.
Casemiro offers more quality to the side than Ugarte, which is not a great reflection for the 24-year-old.
He needs to pull up his socks and impress Amorim in training.
Otherwise, United may consider cashing in if a suitable offer arrives, and use the funds to pursue another holding midfielder who fits Amorim’s system better.
Stats from Fotmob.com
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Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .
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