Amid growing speculation about his future, possible exit of Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United is gaining momentum, with both Bologna and Juventus already showing interest in securing his transfer.
Current Status of the Dutch Forward in Old Trafford
The Footballer was signed in July 2024 and made his debut vs Fulham. As a substitute he scored the match’s only goal. Even after such an impressive start, things have gone downhill for him since then. Zirkzee is not a pure number 9, which is not what Amorim is looking for in his striker. He may have fit well in Erik Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 structure, where strikers dropped deep to link up play. Amorim uses a 3-4-3 system and wants him to be a clinical finisher and a target for the wing backs. Zirkzee scored in his debut EPL game but has fizzled out since then. He looks short on the pace and in physicality at which EPL is played.
While Rasmus Hojlund, Zirkzee’s competitor at Manchester United has also not done well as a finisher, Hojlund has played the role of a target man much better and has also linked up better. In the recent game against Newcastle, Zirkzee was replaced after 32 mins, which was visibly very dampening for Zirkzee. But this highlights how Amorim has not been able to find the right role for Zirkzee.
Who’s to Blame for the exit: Zirkzee or Manchester United?
Zirkzee was impressive in Serie A last season and even made it to the team of the season. But the gap between Series A and English Premier has made it apparent that he needs to develop a lot more as discussed earlier. We also need to feel for him because a man who probably wanted a false 9 profile bought him, and Zirkzee could have done well in that role. However, with Amorim’s formation, he either needs to become a pure 9 or a pure 10, both of which will take time. He is also unlucky that he has joined Manchester United at it’s worst position ever in its 100 plus year history. Manchester United finished Christmas at 22 points and there are a lot examples of teams that got relegated despite having 22 points. This means that neither Amorim, nor united has the time to develop him.
Way forward for Zirkzee
As Manchester United is looking forward to sell the surplus forward and fill their coffers for reinforcements, Juventus has moved forward and showed interest. The club and Zirkzee might have even agreed on transfer terms but confirmation is yet awaited. Although the Red Devils want to permanently let go of Joshua, Juventus prefers the loan option according to many.
Author’s Opinion
Should Manchester United sell Zirkzee in 10 months after shelling out so much dough?
This question highlights the deep pit that Manchester United and INEOS have dug themselves into. While they decided to not only continue with ETH in the summer, they also actively recruited for him. In 6 months, they fired ETH and got a manager who plays a completely different brand of football. I do not think any other individual player has been affected more by this flip-flop. Currently he looks unsuitable and unfortunately, they don’t have time to develop this youngster. The PSR rules further force united to shed players fast to get players that suit Amorim’s style of play. Unfortunately, selling Zirkzee might be a logical decision for United. One feels bad for him and his case is similar to that of Victor Roque at Barcelona. I do not think they should really blame him. He just happened to move at the peak of flip-flops from the management.
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