Manchester United have a significant opportunity to trim their wage bill following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, with three reportedly unhappy players now considering their futures at Old Trafford.
Trio Sought January Exits Under Amorim
According to a report from The Daily Mail, midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, alongside striker Joshua Zirkzee, were all looking to leave the club in the January transfer window had Amorim remained in charge. The Portuguese head coach was sacked after a disappointing tenure, during which all three players struggled for regular game time.
The situation presents a potential financial reset for the club. The combined estimated annual wages of the trio amount to a staggering £13 million, a sum United may still look to shed despite the change in management.
Breakdown of the £13 Million Wage Bill
The financial details highlight the scale of the potential saving. Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo is said to be on the lowest salary of the three at approximately £1 million per year. Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte commands an estimated £6.24 million annually, while Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee earns around £5.2 million.
Mainoo's situation is particularly striking. Once considered an unsellable asset and an England starter in the 2024 European Championship final, he found himself relegated to the substitutes' bench under Amorim and has been unable to agree on a contract extension. Clubs like Chelsea and Napoli are reportedly monitoring his availability.
Fresh Start Under New Management?
The appointment of an interim head coach and a permanent successor could offer a lifeline to the players. A change in tactical formation or philosophy might reintegrate them into the first-team plans.
However, speculation continues to swirl, especially around Zirkzee. AS Roma's club director, Ricky Massara, recently commented on the striker, telling Sky Sports Italy: "He is a Manchester United centre-forward liked by many clubs, not just us. Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management."
Massara added that while there are no current contacts, Roma are looking to strengthen in an area where they have struggled to convert chances, leaving the door open for a potential move.
For now, the futures of Mainoo, Ugarte, and Zirkzee hang in the balance. United's new managerial appointment will be crucial in deciding whether they fight for their places at Old Trafford or seek opportunities elsewhere, allowing the club to reallocate a significant portion of its salary budget.
