Amorim's AC Milan move could cost United both Balde and Zirkzee in January

Ruben Amorim’s move to AC Milan this summer is threatening to reshape Manchester United’s January transfer business, with the Portuguese coach’s new club targeting two players directly linked to the Red Devils — Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde and United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

United have long been interested in Balde as cover and competition for Luke Shaw at left-back, and were in for the Spaniard during the summer window before he stayed at Barcelona. Now, according to Calciomercato, Milan are monitoring Balde as they seek reinforcements following an injury to Pervis Estupinan. With Balde having played just 12 minutes of first-team football this season and holding only two years left on his contract, he is expected to be available in January. Should Amorim’s Milan move first, United would be forced to look elsewhere, with Rayan Ait Nouri and Joaquin Seys among the alternatives being considered.

The second complication involves Zirkzee, who United are willing to sell for around £30 million — or on an initial loan basis. The Netherlands international struggled for minutes under interim manager Michael Carrick last season but has seen his involvement increase in the current campaign, with injuries to Benjamin Sesko pushing him into more regular action. That upturn in form earned him a recall to the Dutch national team, where he scored the winner in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia.

Despite that improvement, United remain open to offloading the 25-year-old. Fiorentina had offered £30 million in the summer, but Zirkzee rejected that move in favour of a potential switch to Juventus. Milan, and a reunion with Amorim, has since emerged as his preferred destination, with a temporary deal also reported to be the favoured structure.

Amorim left United in January after a difficult 14-month spell at Old Trafford before joining Milan in the summer. He has won three, drawn two and lost one of his six matches in charge at San Siro, and is expected to strengthen the squad further despite the club spending close to £140 million in the off-season.