Manchester United's newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim is already facing challenges, as reports suggest forward Joshua Zirkzee is seeking to leave the club during the January transfer window without having played a single minute under Amorim's management. This development comes as an early hurdle for the Portuguese tactician, who officially took charge on November 11.
Zirkzee's Frustration at Old Trafford
Zirkzee, 23, joined Manchester United from Bologna in a £42 million deal during the summer transfer window after an impressive stint in Serie A. The Dutch striker played a key role in helping Bologna secure Champions League qualification and was expected to bring a new dimension to United's attack.
Despite scoring on his debut against Fulham, Zirkzee has struggled to make a significant impact. He has netted just once in 17 appearances across all competitions, losing his spot in the team after an underwhelming run of form. This decline coincided with Erik ten Hag’s departure as manager, leaving Zirkzee frustrated with his lack of opportunities.
Desire for a Move
Reports from La Stampa indicate that Zirkzee is seriously considering a return to Italy, with Juventus emerging as a potential destination. The striker has reportedly instructed his agents to secure a move in January, viewing the Bianconeri as an ideal fit. A reunion with former Bologna manager Thiago Motta, who now leads Juventus, is believed to be a major factor driving his interest.
Juventus, in search of a backup striker for Dusan Vlahovic, may view Zirkzee as a viable option. However, they are unlikely to push for a permanent deal during the winter transfer window. Instead, a loan move appears to be the most likely scenario, aligning with Zirkzee’s desire for regular playing time and a fresh start.
Amorim’s Dilemma
Zirkzee’s apparent unhappiness comes at a time when Amorim is looking to stabilize the squad and implement his tactical philosophy. The Portuguese coach has had limited time to assess his players during the international break and now faces the task of resolving Zirkzee’s future.
Reports suggest that Amorim is keen to bring Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, his former player at Sporting CP, to Old Trafford. Gyökeres has been in sensational form, scoring 33 goals for club and country this season, and could offer a solution to United’s goal-scoring woes. If Gyökeres arrives in January, it could pave the way for Zirkzee’s departure to create room in the squad.
Limited Game Time
Zirkzee’s reduced playing time has been a key source of frustration. Since the last international break in October, he has played only 37 minutes in the Premier League, largely due to the return of Rasmus Højlund from injury. The competition for starting roles in United’s attack has left Zirkzee on the sidelines, fueling his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere.
What’s Next?
It remains uncertain how Amorim will handle Zirkzee’s situation, but the striker’s potential exit in January could allow United to address their attacking needs. For Zirkzee, a move back to Serie A could offer the chance to revive his career under a manager who understands his strengths, while United may benefit from fresh attacking reinforcements as Amorim looks to reshape the team.
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