Manchester United “almost certain” to receive official January transfer offer for unhappy star

Manchester United are reportedly “almost certain” to receive an official January transfer offer for a star who’s currently unhappy under Rúben Amorim.

Manchester United are shifting towards a more measured transfer approach under Rúben Amorim, a notable departure from the lavish spending seen during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

Across five transfer windows, Ten Hag oversaw expenditures exceeding £600 million, an ambitious investment that many believe fell short of delivering the expected impact on the pitch.

Amorim’s priorities are already clear: the squad requires a clinical striker, a reliable centre-back, a solid left-back, and potentially additional midfield reinforcements. Addressing these pressing needs will be crucial as the club seeks to recalibrate both its ambitions and financial strategy.

To facilitate these changes, United are prepared to offload some of their high-value players, embracing a more strategic and resourceful approach to squad building.

This shift not only underscores financial discipline but also signals a broader evolution in the club’s philosophy as they work to regain their competitive edge.

United “almost certain” to receive official offer for Zirkzee

One summer signing who has not worked out is Netherlands international striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has failed to impress across his 27 appearances so far, scoring just four goals and providing two assists.

After signing from Bologna for around £36 million in July, the 23-year-old scored a winning goal against Fulham on his debut but has since been displaced by Rasmus Højlund up front while he is failing to find space in Amorim’s lineups.

According to Italian outlets TuttoSport and La Repubblica via Sport Witness, Juventus are “almost certainly” going to submit an official transfer offer for the player in January in the form of a loan with an option to buy.

It’s stated that Juventus see Zirkzee’s failure to embed himself within Amorim’s system as an encouraging sign that a deal can be struck without a significant amount of hassle.

What Zirkzee thinks about joining Juventus

Further, the two reports combine to explain that the path for Zirkzee to join Juventus is “more open than ever”, while the player himself would welcome the chance to reunite with manager Thiago Motta, who he worked with at Bologna before his Premier League move.

Zirkzee was substituted after just 33 minutes during Amorim’s 2-0 loss against Newcastle United on Monday evening, and having “digested” the event, the player is said to be open to a departure.

The young striker’s departure from United, despite joining just six months earlier, may be seen as a welcome move, as the club are known to need to sell players in January in order to bring in new additions.

Amorim, however, explained on Monday evening that he still sees Zirkzee as an important part of his plans at Old Trafford despite the early substitution.

“He’s a really good lad, so you’ll have the support and you will prepare the next game,” Amorim told the media.

“It’s some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, that have some tough moments, but that is life in every profession.

“So we will support Josh and continue because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team. Was not better than Josh, was better than Manchester United.”

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