One Manchester United player now looks likely to stay at the club this summer, with Rúben Amorim set to receive a loan plus obligation offer for a second player.
Joshua Zirkzee has not had an easy time at Manchester United, from joining under Erik ten Hag, to being substituted in the first half, to playing second fiddle to Rasmus Højlund, but before his injury, he was beginning to impress.
Zirkzee was withdrawn against Newcastle United in April after suffering a hamstring injury, which initially appeared to rule him out for the rest of the season. However, he worked hard and made a remarkable recovery, returning for the Europa League final.
Before his injury, many of the Red Devils’ fans considered him to be the better option as the centre forward, even with his lack of goals, over Hojlund. However, the Dutchman’s absence saw Chido Obi and Kobbie Mainoo pick up the minutes he would have otherwise received instead of the Danish striker.
Nevertheless, Zirkzee’s future appears to now be safe, with Inter Milan pursuing other options after targeting the former Bayern Munich attacker earlier this season.
Inter now appear to be targeting another United forward to add to their frontline next season, rather than Zirkzee.
Hojlund eyed by Inter Milan
As per reports from InterLive, the Nerazzurri are keen on Højlund and have been since before his move to Old Trafford, when he played for Atalanta.
Some believe that if Højlund hadn’t signed for United, he would already be playing in black and blue at the San Siro. However, now that he is available, Inter will push to bring him back to Italy.
Simone Inzaghi, the Inter manager, is said to be a fan of Højlund’s profile and the ownership are convinced that he is a good player, despite his poor form in a red shirt this season.
While a deal hasn’t been agreed upon yet, Inter is said to prefer a deal where Højlund initially joins the club on loan with an option to buy, which can later become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
InterLive believe that with United missing out on European football, the Red Devils No.9 will be available for a discounted fee, further appealing to Inter Milan.
Zirkzee to play key role next season
With Højlund, who has been “terrible” this season, potentially departing, and Obi not yet ready to play competitive minutes in United’s first team, Zirkzee will have to play a significant role for Amorim next season.
The Red Devils will, of course, look to strengthen the striker position, but the transfer of Matheus Cunha and the pursuit of other targets, such as Bryan Mbuemo, could leave Zirkzee as United’s only senior striker.
Liam Delap and other options could still join as a striker signing. Still, there is a very real possibility that Zirkzee will go into next season as the starting centre forward, if not the only senior No.9.
Missing out on European football could see Amorim look to bed more youngsters into the first team, with Obi, Ethan Wheatley, and Gabriele Biancheri all impressive young strikers at the club.
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