One Manchester United forward has been told he should leave the club by former Chelsea player and Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit.
Last season, Manchester United scored the fifth fewest goals in the Premier League behind the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham, with only 44 goals scored.
In the summer, it was evident where United needed to strengthen. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško were brought in to revamp the attack.
With Mason Mount and Amad also filling in, in the attacking areas, there is now clear strength in depth up top that was lacking last season.
These changes have begun to show signs of success, with the club ranked joint 5th in the Premier League in goals scored, having scored 17 goals.
However, due to the new changes, several United players have been without a regular spot in Amorim’s side, and it won’t be long before they demand a move or are forced out of the club.
Zirkzee advised to leave
Joshua Zirkzee this season has been like a forgotten man, often either being an unused substitute or limited to a few minutes here and there at the end of games.
In the four matches he has appeared in this season, he has only played 82 minutes. Even when Šeško has not played up front, the likes of Cunha and Mount have been preferred as strikers over Zirkzee.
With the club now eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town and with no European football, a place in the starting XI looks more in doubt every week for the Dutchman.
Former Chelsea player and Netherlands legend, Ruud Gullit, has given a damning statement regarding the situation, speaking to the Metro.
“He was really doing well at Bologna, and I was hoping that he would go to Milan. I think that as soon as he went to Manchester United, it was the wrong decision. I mean, for a lot of players, moving to Manchester United has been the wrong decision. And whoever leaves them plays well everywhere around Europe.
“I just hope that there’s a solution for him. Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Manchester United. They found a little form in the past couple of weeks, and I hope for Manchester United that they continue that. Because a good Manchester United is good for the Premier League as well,” he said.
Can United afford to lose Zirkzee?
At the moment, a move away does look wise for Zirkzee. He is not playing, so why should he stay?
However, with AFCON approaching, United will be without both Amad and Mbeumo. The club will need reinforcements and players ready to fill in when they leave.
Not only that, in the famously swamped winter period when games come thick and fast, rotation is essential for players to stay fresh, especially in Rúben Amorim’s intense system.
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In both situations, the club will need to be able to call upon Zirkzee, who has shown he can fill in at both striker and in attacking midfield. His versatility will be his biggest strength in this period, and perhaps he will see his minutes increase more with good form.
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