'They want' - Ruben Amorim issues update on Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo playing time at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim insists it is 'normal' for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo to both want more playing time at Manchester United. It is understood that the duo are both unhappy with their lack of meaningful minutes so far this season and could explore exits in the January transfer window in an effort to play more often.

Zirkzee and Mainoo are both expected to hold fresh talks with the club over their immediate futures, with the duo both at risk of missing out on a place at next summer's World Cup in North America. Neither of the players was called up for their respective nations over the latest international break, and they both know they stand little chance of changing that unless they are regulars at club level.

Zirkzee has played the third-fewest number of minutes out of the United squad this season, while Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season. Amorim made it clear he had no plans to move on Zirkzee in the summer window, while the club also rejected Mainoo's request to leave the club on a season-long loan.

United sources have reiterated that both players still have an important role to play this campaign and that it would only take a couple of injuries or suspensions before either of them is back in the starting line up again. However, the players might need a bit more convincing if they are going to be happy at Old Trafford for the rest of the season.

Asked about the fresh reports over the international break, Amorim said: "That is normal and I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise. You have to have news. Players are not playing. They want to play. There's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. I understand that, but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season."

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