Rúben Amorim has thrown his full support behind Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, insisting both remain key parts of his Manchester United plans despite recent speculation about their roles. Speaking ahead of United’s upcoming fixtures, Amorim said that the pair are Manchester United players and vital to the club’s season-long ambitions.
Amorim’s comments came after Softfootball reported that he revealed the key to ending Manchester United’s Anfield curse, which has brought increased scrutiny on team selection and rotation. Addressing questions about limited minutes for both players, the United boss acknowledged the outside noise, especially in a World Cup year when agents and national team managers are keeping close tabs. Amorim said:
Some players are not playing, there’s noise, news… some want to play. Like you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time.
His remarks, shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, come as Liverpool vs Manchester United continues to dominate headlines ahead of another intense Premier League showdown.
Mainoo, 20, has so far made five substitute appearances after United blocked a loan move in August, while Zirkzee — a £43 million signing — has been restricted to just 82 minutes across all competitions. Both players are eager to impress, with Mainoo targeting a spot in England’s Euro 2026 squad and Zirkzee hoping to make the Netherlands’ final selection.
Amorim, however, downplayed any internal tension, stressing that competition for places is natural at a top club. He said:
I believe a lot in Kobbie… he can be so much better. I’m focused on that.
The manager also reiterated that his decisions will continue to be based purely on merit:
If I feel someone is the best player during the week, he will play.
Although PSV Eindhoven remain interested in taking Zirkzee on loan, Manchester United are unwilling to sanction any departures, especially permanent ones, for players they see as integral to the team’s long-term project.
