One Manchester United star has been left “frustrated and confused” by Rúben Amorim; a move away from Old Trafford seems highly likely.
While Manchester United are beginning to pick up pace on the pitch, Rúben Amorim still has several dilemmas to face in the coming weeks. The former Sporting CP manager will have to make a firm decision before the January transfer window.
One point of call for the United boss will be the Kobbie Mainoo situation. United’s No.37 has been left without a natural place in the side since the beginning of the season and has been subject to very little game time this campaign.
Mainoo asked for a loan move at the end of the summer transfer window – Napoli were heavily linked and he could’ve reunited with Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay – but Jason Wilcox and Amorim rejected the move. If he doesn’t get regular minutes soon, he will ask for another loan and push for a move.
Another problem for Amorim is Lisandro Martínez’s return to action. The Argentine returned to full training before United’s trip to Nottingham, and he will be looking for a spot in the matchday squad soon.
However, Luke Shaw has been among United’s best performers this season, and Amorim is unlikely to drop the former Southampton youngster. He also seems unwilling to trial him at left-wing-back, so Amorim has a big call to make when Martínez is considered fully fit.
Zirkzee “doesn’t know what more he can do”
The Joshua Zirkzee situation is another problem that Amorim must resolve before the January window. Zirkzee has played just 82 Premier League minutes this season, despite being available for all of United’s 10 matches.
At 24 years old, Zirkzee will be hungry for regular football, so his lack of minutes at the start of this campaign will be a huge concern. The Dutchman only played eight minutes in United’s Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town.
Now, Sam Cohen of GiveMeSport has reported that Zirkzee has impressed United staff with his professionalism and maturity despite his lack of game time. He was seen encouraging his teammates in the tunnel and on the sidelines against Nottingham Forest, urging them to “go and get the win”.
One insider said: “He’s not caused any issues, which is more than can be said for some who’ve been left out,” perhaps throwing shade on Alejandro Garnacho for his comments in the aftermath of the Europa League final last season.
Sources have said that Zirkzee has been left “frustrated and confused” due to his lack of game time. Another said: “He’s done everything asked of him, but he doesn’t know what more he can do.” Zirkzee may be forced to look for a January move, much like Marcus Rashford last season.
United must keep hold of Zirkzee for next season
While Zirkzee is struggling for regular appearances this season, with Amorim favouring Benjamin Šeško for the time being, he could become a crucial player next season if United return to European football.
The aim for United this season will be to return to the Europa League or Champions League, as another season without European football would be simply unacceptable.
A bigger squad will be needed when United return to mid-week action, and Zirkzee’s versatility could be crucial. While he could start as a centre forward, he could also fill in for Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo in attacking midfield.
Having Zirkzee will also mean that Amorim won’t have to rush Chido Obi into the first team setup, allowing him to develop his technical skills in Travis Binnion’s under-21s side for the remainder of the campaign.
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