Rúben Amorim has reportedly made a final decision on Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United amid the player’s request to leave.
Rúben Amorim faces some tough choices in the coming weeks as he fights to keep his job at Manchester United — one of the biggest being how to handle the Joshua Zirkzee situation.
Zirkzee began the season on the bench alongside Benjamin Šeško, with Matheus Cunha leading the attack. After missing pre-season through injury, the Dutch forward only returned to full training following United’s last game against Fiorentina.
So far, the former Bayern Munich talent has played just 82 minutes this season, having remained an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break.
Šeško’s impressive form has limited Zirkzee’s chances, and with Mason Mount thriving alongside Bryan Mbeumo in attacking midfield, there’s little room for him elsewhere.
Zirkzee to hand in transfer request
With the Dutchman’s current situation seeing him routinely sat on the bench, The Mirror has now reported that he will request to leave the club in January.
According to the outlet, Amorim has decided that the 24-year-old is not part of his long-term plans at Old Trafford, as there is still a lack of clarity about his best position on the pitch.
He has scored just seven goals in his 49 appearances so far for the Reds, and has fallen firmly down the pecking order after the signings of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Šeško.
United’s hierarchy is reportedly willing to listen to offers for Zirkzee in the January transfer window, with midfield being a key position they would like to reinforce should funds become available.
Should Zirkzee stay in the Premier League?
According to The Mirror, West Ham are currently leading the charge to secure the player, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s team struggling for attacking prowess. They sit 19th in the Premier League table with just four points.
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Zirkzee would reportedly prefer to remain in the Premier League, but there is also the option for the talented attacker to rejoin an Italian side. Before joining United, he won the Serie A Young Player of the Year award at Bologna.
It has been claimed that both AS Roma and Como 1907 are monitoring his situation closely and could launch an attack to secure the striker.
It may be more worthwhile for Zirkzee to return to Italy, make a substantial impact in a league where he knows he can thrive, rejoin the Netherlands squad for the World Cup, and then assess his next long-term destination.
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