Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United players lacking game time may seek moves away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window. Joshua Zirkzee is the most glaring case, having failed to start a single match this season with only five appearances to his name.

Kobbie Mainoo – who explored loan opportunities in the summer – has similarly struggled for minutes, restricted to cameo roles off the bench in the Premier League. Both have consequently slipped down their countries' pecking order this year.

Amorim recognises that, with a World Cup on the horizon next year, players will be eager to secure transfers in January to guarantee regular football. "A lot of things can happen," the United manager said when quizzed about the winter transfer window.

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"Even in our club, and you know that we have the World Cup, some players are not playing, they will ask to leave, so I have to manage everything."

Amorim also declined to dismiss the chance of any potential incoming business during January.

"We want to bring players, everyone here, we want to bring players that we can see a big future in Manchester United," he said. "We are not just buying one guy because now we feel in December that we need this kind of player for now.

"We want to buy players that we know we are not going to change a lot of times. So that is our idea.

"I don't know what is going to happen. But of course, we think about how we can improve the team, and in January, the window is open, we can do something."

United secured the signatures of Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu last winter. Those were their first permanent mid-season signings since Amad's arrival from Atalanta in 2021.

Bruno Fernandes was also a key addition 12 months prior. Alexis Sanchez was in the most recent one before him in 2018.

Juan Mata also stands out as a significant January acquisition from 2014. Wilfried Zaha, Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing, also arrived mid-season, albeit they loaned the winger straight back to Crystal Palace.

The likes of Anders Lindegaard and Victor Valdes are among the less heralded examples. Jack Butland, Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst are also just a few who have joined on loan during January.

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