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Mainoo Wins POTM, Zirkzee Gets Netherlands Lifeline & Transfer Buzz at Old Trafford

📅 September 29, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 9

Recent Form: A Frustrating Run

Manchester United head into the September international break on the back of a difficult run in the Premier League. Their most recent league outing ended in a 1-1 draw at Fulham's Craven Cottage on 20 September — a third successive game without a win in the top flight. Lisandro Martinez's unfortunate own goal handed Fulham the lead, before Matheus Cunha came to United's rescue in the 89th minute with a deflected strike from outside the area to earn a point. Earlier in September, the Red Devils were beaten 1-0 at home by Manchester City in the league and suffered a 3-2 Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton despite leading 2-0. On the brighter side, United opened their Champions League return — their first in nearly three years — with a commanding 4-0 home victory over Sabah FK on 10 September.

Mainoo Named Player of the Month

There was something to celebrate on the club front, as Kobbie Mainoo was named Manchester United's Player of the Month for September in a landslide vote. The young Englishman has been one of United's standout performers during a tough run of fixtures, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting midfielders to emerge from the Old Trafford academy in recent years.

Zirkzee Gets International Recall

In welcome news for striker Joshua Zirkzee, the 25-year-old Dutch forward has been called into the Netherlands squad as an emergency replacement for Brian Brobbey, who picked up a hamstring injury during the Netherlands' 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany. Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez drafted Zirkzee in, giving him a chance to play for his country for the first time in nearly two years. Zirkzee's last senior cap came in November 2024, and he has struggled for regular starts at Old Trafford this season, not yet registering a start in the 2026-27 campaign. The Netherlands are set to face Serbia and Greece in upcoming Nations League fixtures, giving Zirkzee a real chance to impress.

Academy News: Ajayi Signs Contract

United also confirmed that teenage winger Noah Ajayi has signed a new contract with the club. The deal, announced on 25 September, shows the club's commitment to tying down their brightest young talents to long-term futures at Old Trafford, in line with manager Michael Carrick's growing emphasis on youth development.

Transfer Talk

(⚠️ The following are unconfirmed rumours, not done deals.)

It has been a busy period of transfer speculation around Old Trafford. According to reports, United are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza, with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be interested in the 20-year-old. Separately, Spanish outlet reports suggest United, Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha, whose early-season form has drawn wide attention. There are also reports circulating that United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has been linked with a move away from the club, with Chelsea reportedly leading the chase — though a separate report claims that deal is now off after United agreed a long-term contract with a different teenager. Meanwhile, rumours suggest United could make a January move for Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert, with journalist David Ornstein cited as the source. INEOS are also said to be close to announcing a new incoming signing, though details remain unconfirmed. As always, treat all of the above as rumour until officially confirmed by the club.

Sources

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