Man Utd news: Ruben Amorim has 'personal problem' with player as three replacements found

Both Liverpool and Manchester United are yet to hit their stride this season, which makes their meeting this weekend all the more intriguing. Despite winning their first five games, Liverpool have hit a block in the road and have lost three consecutive games in all competitions.

There have been a plethora of new signings at Old Trafford, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Mathues Cunha introduced to add some firepower to the United front line. However, they have not yet clicked as a team and as a result, sit 10th in the Premier League table, with only three wins from seven games. Sunday's encounter provides an opportunity to get the ball rolling this season.

Despite the transfer window being closed and January a few months away, rumours continue to swirl around Amorim's squad, with the prospect of significant outgoings and incomings looking likely. In light of these rumours and the game lying ahead this weekend, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news coming out of Old Trafford.

Ex-United defender Paul Parker believes that Amorim has a personal issue with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The young star has played very little so far this season, despite receiving praise in recent years for his impressive skillset and ability to comfortably operate at the highest level.

Erik ten Hag was a big fan of Mainoo and gave him his break, which led to him being selected for England at Euro 2024. However, he has not been fancied by Amorim at all, and his minutes have deteriorated massively. Speaking to MyBettingSites, Parker said: "We also have to ask why Mainoo hasn't been used in that midfield.

"Somewhere along the line because I've been looking at it, it has to be personal. It has to be personal and the truth has to be told somewhere. He doesn't like him or he doesn't like him as a player. It doesn't make any sense at all."

Mainoo has been the subject of transfer talk, having been interested in a loan deal during the summer to play in the World Cup next year. Parker touched on this: "It would cause big problems if they allow Mainoo to go because he's a local boy. But it's not just about that. It's about what he's achieved in a short space of time, and he hasn't been given the time and the respect."

Midfield icon Casemiro is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the current season, and Mainoo could be heading for the exit door too, so United will be in the market for midfielders next summer.

Three names are reportedly in the mix for the Red Devils. Adam Wharton has been widely discussed as a potential addition to the squad, having impressed for Crystal Palace recently.

Another is Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is also reportedly being pursued by rivals Manchester City, but United could look to swoop in for him in 2026. Anderson earned his debut for England in early September and impressed under Thomas Tuchel on his maiden outing.

The third option is Brighton's Carlos Baleba, who United were targeting last summer; however, the Seagulls' £100m-plus valuation of the rising star was simply too much. Despite this, it seems as if United will be dipping back into negotiations with Brighton in the new year.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano told his audience that Baleba is a target for United, despite missing out on him last summer. He added that Baleba wanted the move but didn't want to force it, showing respect to his current club. Romano also mentioned that Brighton do not want to sell and it would be very unlikely that a deal is done in January, unless there was a significant proposal or a transfer request was handed in.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.