ESPN: Manchester United ready to start talks with Menu and Zirkzee before winter window

ESPN reported that Manchester United is preparing to start talks with Menu and Zirkzee before the start of the January winter window. Both players are concerned about the lack of playing time under coach Amorim.

Menu's request to leave the team on loan at the end of the summer transfer window was rejected by Manchester United. The 20-year-old youth training midfielder has yet to start in the Premier League this season. Zirkzee has also yet to start in the league, playing only 74 minutes in three games, while Menu has played a total of 113 minutes in five appearances.

After missing the England squad for international breaks in September and October, Menu fears he has run out of time to break into Tuchel's World Cup plans. Zirkzee also realizes that he needs more stable playing time to have a chance of being selected for the Netherlands' World Cup squad.

Sources told ESPN that if Menu leaves the team, Napoli, who expressed interest in him in August, will be an option. Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are also interested in him. Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A. However, any deal for Menu or Zirkzee would need to be approved by United.

Sources close to the club pointed out that although both players have difficulty breaking into Amorim's starting lineup, they are still key members of the squad in every game. If their regular appearance prospects fail to improve, talks will take place ahead of the January transfer window.

Another complicating factor facing Menu is that a youth training record that lasts for more than 87 years is tied to his shoulders. Since October 1937, Manchester United has had at least one academy player in their squad for every game. Menu was the only eligible player in the last game against Sunderland and his departure could end that streak.