Three Manchester United players were desperate to leave Old Trafford if Ruben Amorim had stayed on as manager, according to recent reports. Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte reportedly felt out of place under the Portuguese coach’s system. Now, with Amorim sacked after just 14 months, they might get a chance to start fresh under whoever takes over next.
The news came out in the Daily Mail, sparking talks among fans and pundits. It said these players wanted out this month if things didn’t change. Amorim got the boot on January 5, 2026, after a rough spell that left United struggling in the league. The club put out a short statement, saying the decision came from the board to move in a new direction. Sky Sports reported that Amorim’s up-and-down mood and choices played a part in the call.
Kobbie Mainoo stands out here. The young English midfielder broke through big time a couple of years back. He started strong under Erik ten Hag, even getting England caps. But under Amorim, his minutes dropped. Some games he sat on the bench, and when he played, the 3-4-3 setup didn’t suit his style. Reports say he felt frustrated, like his growth had stalled. At 20, Mainoo has interest from other clubs, but now he might stick around. His agent hasn’t said much yet, but sources close to him hint at relief over the change.
Then there’s Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward joined from Bologna in 2024 for around £36 million. He showed promise early, scoring on debut. But goals dried up, and Amorim often left him out. Critics pointed to his hold-up play not fitting the high-press tactics. Zirkzee, 24, has been linked to moves back to Italy or elsewhere. His agent even said something about a “certain” future, though not directly about leaving. With a new boss, maybe a different approach helps him find form again.
Manuel Ugarte rounds out the trio. The Uruguayan came from PSG in 2024 for £50 million and is seen as a tough tackler for the midfield. But he struggled to adapt, picking up cards and not starting every game. Amorim, who knew him from Sporting Lisbon, expected more. Ugarte’s passing didn’t always click in the system. At 24, he’s young enough to turn it around, but whispers say he eyed a loan or sale if things stayed bad. Now, the sack might give him stability.
Amorim’s time at United started with hope. He arrived from Sporting in late 2024, having won titles there. Fans thought his style would fix the mess after ten Hag. But results tanked. United sat mid-table, with losses to teams like Fulham and Bournemouth. Amorim talked about needing time, but the board ran out of patience. ESPN noted reactions from ex-players like Rio Ferdinand, who said the slide started early. Gary Lineker called it a shock but not surprising given the form.
No word yet on the next manager. Names like Graham Potter or even a return for someone familiar pop up in chats. The club wants someone who can tweak the squad without big spends. Ineos, the owners, have pushed for youth and smart buys. These three players fit that, so keeping them makes sense. A new system, maybe 4-3-3 or something flexible, could suit them better.
Fans on social media mixed it up. Some blame Amorim for not using the players right. One post on X said, “Mainoo is our future; we can’t lose him.” Others think the players underperformed too. Reddit threads debate if the sack was fair, with some saying 14 months isn’t enough. But after Shakhtar in Europe and poor league runs, pressure built.
This isn’t new for United. Post-Ferguson, managers come and go. Mourinho, Solskjaer, and ten Hag – all had player issues. Amorim joins the list. The club spent big on Zirkzee and Ugarte, so losing them cheap would hurt. Mainoo, homegrown, carries even more weight.
Looking ahead, the January window opens soon. If these players stay, it could steady the ship. But if unrest lingers, moves might happen. United face Arsenal next, a test for the interim setup. Whoever steps in temporarily, like maybe Ruud van Nistelrooy again, needs quick wins.
In Manchester, the mood is tense. Old Trafford crowds have booed lately. Fans want results, not excuses. These players, if they buy in, could help turn it. Mainoo’s energy, Zirkzee’s flair, and Ugarte’s bite – all useful. But trust needs rebuilding.
The sack news spread fast. The BBC covered reactions live, with pundits like Neville weighing in. He said United must get the next hire right. Reuters noted Amorim’s exit came after he hinted at quitting himself.
For the players, this is a reset. No more “desperate to leave” talks if things click. But football moves quickly. By next week, more could change. United’s board faces heat to fix it. Fans hope for better days soon.
This story shows how fragile club life is. One manager’s vision clashes with players, and it unravels. In the Premier League, patience is short. These three might thrive now, or the cycle repeats. We’ll see what the new era brings.
