‘Escape route’ proposal made for struggling £105k-p/w Red who’s left Amorim ‘unconvinced’

Stretty News

·18 novembre 2024

‘Escape route’ proposal made for struggling £105k-p/w Red who’s left Amorim ‘unconvinced’

Despite only joining Manchester United in July, Joshua Zirkzee faces an uncertain future heading into the January transfer window.

That’s because the 23-year-old has failed to make his mark on the Old Trafford faithful after the opening three months of the campaign.

Vidéos OneFootball

Expectations for Zirkzee were perhaps raised when he netted a late winner in front of the Stretford End on his debut – and the first Premier League game of 2024/2025 – back in August. However, he has yet to add to his tally in his subsequent 16 appearances.

The return of Rasmus Hojlund in September would’ve also undoubtedly increased the pressure mounted on Zirkzee’s shoulders, as it meant he had to fulfil what was asked of him even with his minutes reduced. The Dane, as it stands, is expected to continue being the first-choice No.9 under Ruben Amorim, so Zirkzee simply has to impress in the chances he gets off the bench.

Juventus plot mid-season swoop for out of sorts Zirkzee

(Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Unless, of course, he opts to depart entirely. The Bayern Munich graduate has reportedly – per CalcioMercato via The Mirror – been offered an ‘escape route’ to leave his stagnant form behind him in England and instead return to Italy in January, this time with Serie A giants Juventus.

Amorim is thought to harbour concerns over Zirkzee and is ‘unconvinced’ by his suitability to the squad, while his prospective move to The Old Lady would see him reunite with former coach Thiago Motta, whom he scored 12 goals for in 37 appearances for Bologna.

A permanent deal is off the table for now, though. United forked out £36.5 million to bring the Dutch international to the club in July, and offloading him at the earliest opportunity would surely come across a knee-jerk reaction from INEOS.

On the other hand, a loan provides Zirkzee the opportunity to reignite his form and build his confidence in a relatively familiar environment before continuing to ply his trade in the Premier League.