Inside the Secret January Exodus: Which Manchester United Stars Are Racing to Flee Old Trafford?

Manchester United’s October international break arrived wrapped in the glow of a hard-earned 2-0 triumph over newly minted Premier League side Sunderland. Yet, beneath the surface of that scoreboard smile lies a simmering tale of tension and turmoil — Ruben Amorim, the man fresh from Sporting Lisbon’s dugout, is still navigating a labyrinth of pressure that refuses to ease. Eleven months on from the buzz around his appointment, the popular narrative of hope has been overshadowed by a procession of unflattering records that have dotted his tenure at Old Trafford. Sure, the club opened their coffers over the summer, unleashing big bucks on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, but while arrivals grab headlines, the whispers around those eager to exit the Theatre of Dreams grow louder. Antony’s move back to Real Betis was just the start; reports now spotlight two Manchester United stars, restless and eyeing January as their moment for a fresh start. Intrigued? Dive deeper into the unfolding drama at Old Trafford LEARN MORE.

While Manchester United might have entered October’s international break with an essential 2-0 victory at home against Premier League newcomers Sunderland, it is no secret that Ruben Amorim still has a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders.

Although there might have been plenty of excitement around Old Trafford following Amorim’s arrival 11 months ago, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has broken a string of unwanted records during his tenure in the red half of Manchester.

However, although the Old Trafford hierarchy might have financially backed Amorim during the summer transfer window following the big-money arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, there has been plenty of focus around the outgoings in Manchester.

Although the likes of Brazilian international Antony might have completed a permanent return to Spanish outfit Real Betis last month, reports this week have suggested that a pair of United aces are desperate to secure their own respective moves away when they window reopens in January.

Kobbie Mainoo

While Kobbie Mainoo might have eventually stayed put at Old Trafford following the September 1st deadline, United’s homegrown starlet reportedly handed in a request to be allowed to leave on loan.

However, although Amorim might have publicly rejected that request and made it clear the the 20-year-old would not be allowed to leave under any circumstances, the England international has still failed to play any regular part under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss.

Only coming off the bench for the final 14 minuets of United’s 2-0 victory against Sunderland last weekend, Mainoo is yet to make a single Premier League start since opening the new campaign.

Now firmly behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro in Amorim’s midfield pecking order, it has once again been reported this week that Mainoo is keen on securing a January move away from Old Trafford.

Omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this month, it appears that the Stockport-born star has an almighty job on his hands to earn a spot in Tuchel’s plans for next summer’s World Cup.

With discussions over a potential contract extension failing to make any kind of progress, it has also been suggested that the 10-cap international is open to securing a permanent move away from his boyhood club.

🚨 Napoli have now emerged as the favourite to sign Kobbie Mainoo and Antonio Conte sees the midfielder as a perfect addition.

A move to Napoli could be ideal and offers the chance to play with the Kevin De Bruyne. Also, a familiar face in Scott McTominay.

Aston Villa and… pic.twitter.com/NKCgLsHh8u

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 7, 2025

Joshua Zirkzee

Although Joshua Zirkzee might have only arrived at Old Trafford last summer for a reported fee in the region of £36million, the 24-year-old has drastically failed to find his feet among England’s elite.

Left as an unused substitute against Sunderland last weekend, the one-time Bayern Munich youngster has also featured for just six minuets during United’s last three outings.

Watching fellow misfiring striker Rasmus Hojlund make an immediate impact after completing a dramatic Deadline Day move to reigning Italian champions Napoli, Zirkzee will certainly be wondering what could have been.

Instead, while the Dutch international might have reportedly made it clear to Amorim over the summer that he was keen on fighting for his spot this season, it appears Zirkzee has had an almost immediate change of heart.

Firmly on the outside looking in and quickly becoming the forgotten man at Old Trafford, it has been reported that Amorim is now open to the idea of letting that former Bologna marksman complete either a loan or permanent move away.

Although it might have been heavily speculated over the summer that a speedy return to Italy could be on the cards, it has been suggested that Premier League strugglers West Ham are an admirer and could be keen on handing Zirkzee a top-flight lifeline.

🚨🚨🌕| BREAKING: Joshua Zirkzee is looking for an EXIT route in January. He is deeply frustrated at his situation, and a move in the January transfer window is seen as absolutely crucial if he wants to play in the World Cup. [@ChrisWheelerDM] pic.twitter.com/CpaBCsRSan

— centredevils. (@centredevils) October 7, 2025