David Ornstein has now dropped an update on the Manchester United futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee after the sacking of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Both Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have been left fighting for Manchester United first-team minutes during the 2025-26 campaign under Ruben Amorim.
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Mainoo had fallen down the midfield pecking order under Amorim and Zirkzee was playing second fiddle to summer signing Benjamin Sesko in the striking line-up.
Zirkzee has been linked with Roma in recent months, while Mainoo has also been tipped for an Old Trafford exit amid transfer speculation linking him with Napoli.
However, Amorim’s sacking as United manager has thrown a spanner in the works for a potential club to sign either Mainoo or Zirkzee on loan in the January window.
David Ornstein on Man Utd’s transfer stance around midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and striker Joshua Zirkzee
Both Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee face an uphill battle representing their respective countries at the 2026 World Cup in North America in the summer.
Zirkzee and Mainoo are believed to be keen on securing regular first-team football in a bid to climb back into the Netherlands and England squads respectively.
Speaking on Sky Sports, David Ornstein was asked if the Red Devils would allow either Kobbie Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee in light of recent events at the club.
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Despite Ruben Amorim’s dismissal as United manager, The Athletic reporter Ornstein refused to rule out Mainoo and Zirkzee potentially leaving in permanent sales.
“Will players leave? I would say that United’s aim of finishing in the top four requires everyone they can have at their disposal,” he said.
“And so, I’m told no loans for a start. So, the likes of Kobe Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, if there is to be a departure, it would have to be permanent.
“It would have to be an offer that satisfies United financially.”
David Ornstein talks about the transfer interest in Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee amid Man Utd’s position
Mainoo returned in United’s 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening after the 20-year-old Stockport-born talent had overcome a calf injury.
Ornstein expects the United midfielder to remain at Old Trafford for the 2025-26 campaign, while he talked up the role of Roma-linked Zirkzee at the club.
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“If you look at Mainoo, I think there’s a greater chance of him staying now because he was clearly out of favour with Amorim, but he’ll have to prove he’s worthy of a position in the side when he gets back to fitness,” Ornstein added.
“With Zirkzee, there’s been some interest from Roma, but he seems to be playing, contributing, scoring a couple of goals, and he’s said to be a popular character in the dressing room as well. So, let’s see.”
Zirkzee came off the bench in United’s Premier League clash with Burnley, with the 24-year-old Dutch forward replacing Matheus Cunha in the second half at Turf Moor.
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