Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have had limited playing time since the start of the season, but experts believe they will play a more important role for MU at Christmas.

At that time, MU will not have the services of two players who are playing excellently on the right wing, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, because they have to focus on the national team to participate in the African Cup of Nations.

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Zirkzee has few opportunities to play this season - Photo: SunSport

In addition, full-back Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be part of the Moroccan team. That means Amorim will lose three important players during Christmas and the beginning of the new year 2026.

In that situation, MU's coaching staff will not allow any players to leave in the winter, to avoid the risk of a serious shortage of players.

Kobbie Mainoo has not started a Premier League game since May. His only start was the humiliating defeat to Grimsby in the second round of the EFL Cup.

United rejected a loan request for Mainoo before the summer transfer window closed, despite the 21-year-old being demoted to fourth-choice in central midfield.

In Zirkzee's case, the Dutch striker has only played 90 minutes after 5 appearances from the bench since the beginning of the season.

Zirkzee suffered a hamstring injury six months ago and missed the entire pre-season. With the arrival of Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko, the former Bologna striker's chances have been further curtailed.

Coach Amorim does not consider Zirkzee a real striker. Instead, the Portuguese coach often uses him as an attacking midfielder.

Joshua Zirkzee himself is quite disappointed with his lack of regular playing time. He has considered a return to Serie A next winter. However, MU will not change its transfer stance.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/mu-chan-chuyen-nhuong-2-cau-thu-muon-roi-old-trafford-2456708.html