AS Roma have seemingly reacted to Joshua Zirkzee’s latest public words amid Manchester United’s need for extra goals.
After a period of three games without a win, Manchester United bounced back with a win against Crystal Palace, thanks to goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, leading the comeback.
Despite investing heavily in the forward areas with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, Ruben Amorim found himself lacking options to pick from with both Cunha and Sesko being out injured.
Even though a make-shift front three was formed with Zirkzee, Mount and Mbeumo, which in the end bore fruit, United only had one attacking option on the bench, which was Shea Lacey.
With AFCON approaching, Mbeumo and Amad are set to depart after 15 December, the Red Devils cannot afford to lose any other players with the lack of depth with the pair leaving.
Zirkzee set to stay amid links to Roma
Zirkzee has had a mixed season so far. Until his start against Everton, the Dutchman had only played 90 minutes across all competitions so far, as well as going eight months without a goal.
All season, there have been constant rumblings of a move away to Roma in January, whether it be a straight loan or a loan with an obligation to buy, which United preferred.
With the forward wanting more game time to force his way into the Netherlands World Cup set up, it made sense why he wanted to move.
However, with the recent injuries to Sesko and Cunha, Zirkzee has found himself back in the starting eleven for the past two games and looks set to continue his run in the side against West Ham.
Speaking after the game to TNT, Zirkzee said he is happy at the moment with the environment at United. “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and you have to perform, so if you don’t score for a long time, then it can get to you,” he said.
“But I’m surrounded by great players, great people, and we help each other every day, and they made it quite easy for me. Today is just a reward I think for patience, hard work and trying to be consistent and I’m just thankful to the manager as well, staff, everyone. A good environment.”
According to Corriere Dello Sport, admid Zirkzee’s public message of being happy at the club and surrounded by great people, Roma have now decided against pursuing his transfer at the moment.
They reportedly have found it increasingly difficult to agree a deal with United, who want a permanent transfer they cannot afford, and have begun looking at alternatives such as Mathys Tel.
His link-up play alongside the excellent finish against Crystal Palace was a reminder to all what he brings to the side, and with no Mbeumo and Amad during AFCON, his minutes in the side will only increase.
The opportunites will always come
Joshua Zirkzee is an example to all other players that your fortunes at the club can change drastically; you just need to stay patient. From not having a place in the XI to now, due to unforeseen circumstances, he has been thrust back into the lineup.
This has been the case for many players under Amorim. Most notably, Casemiro was a player who, when the Portuguese first arrived, looked like one of the first players who would be out of the door. But now he is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Even Harry Maguire has found himself going from a bit-part player to an essential leader, not only marshalling the back line but also the squad.
With players like Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte struggling for minutes this season, Amorim has always shown that even those who are out of favour at the moment can force their way back into the eleven.
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