The managerial upheaval at Manchester United has sent immediate ripples through the club's January transfer plans, complicating potential deals for two young players.
Amorim Departure Alters Transfer Landscape
Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, 5th January 2026, after a reported fallout with sporting director Jason Wilcox. This sudden change has left the club's short-term future in flux, with Darren Fletcher taking temporary charge for the upcoming fixtures against Burnley and Brighton.
Amidst this instability, United have held discussions with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-player Michael Carrick about a potential interim return until the season's end. However, the club must still navigate the transfer window as they aim to secure a coveted Champions League qualification spot.
Roma Deal for Zirkzee Thrown into Doubt
The future of Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled for game time, is now uncertain. Serie A side Roma had been pursuing a loan move for the forward, with talks already held between the clubs while Amorim was in charge.
Roma's director, Ricky Massara, has now publicly acknowledged the shift, telling Sky Sport Italia: "Naturally, the situation is different after this change of management; there are no contacts in progress." He confirmed Zirkzee remains a player admired by many clubs but indicated their focus may now shift.
Fresh Hope for Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford
In a positive development for one United academy product, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo may now have a route back into the first-team picture. The England international, who was seemingly not favoured by Amorim, had been linked with a move to Napoli, potentially joining Scott McTominay.
However, the BBC reports that Napoli now believe their chances of signing Mainoo are fading, with no talks currently scheduled between the player and club officials. Furthermore, Mainoo's prospects could be boosted by a potential tactical shift.
If an interim manager like Solskjaer reverts to a traditional back four, it could open up an additional space in midfield, offering Mainoo a chance to reignite his United career. The player has returned to training and is in contention for the match against Burnley after recovering from an injury sustained in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus at Old Trafford is on appointing a temporary manager to steer the team through a packed January schedule. The decisions made by that new boss will directly impact the transfer fates of Zirkzee and Mainoo. While one player's proposed exit has hit a roadblock, another may have been handed an unexpected lifeline to prove his worth at the club he came through.
