Manchester United‘s summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has had a challenging start to his career at Old Trafford. Signed for a hefty £36.5 million from Serie A club Bologna, the Dutch striker was expected to bolster United’s attacking options, but his performances have failed to live up to the high expectations placed upon him. With his struggles mounting, rumors of a potential move away from Manchester United have intensified, particularly with interest from top Serie A clubs like Juventus and Napoli.
However, Ruben Amorim, the current head coach of Manchester United, has firmly stated his desire to retain Zirkzee at the club beyond the upcoming January transfer window. The Dutch forward, despite his underwhelming performances, has the backing of his coach, who believes in his potential and commitment. Ruben Amorim’s comments shed light on the situation surrounding the 23-year-old striker and suggest that Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford may not be as uncertain as many might have thought.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Ruben Amorim’s stance on Zirkzee’s future, the challenges the striker has faced so far at Manchester United, and the growing interest from Serie A clubs.
1. Zirkzee’s Struggles at Manchester United
A Rocky Start to Life in the Premier League
Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 was met with high expectations. Known for his strong performances in Italy, the young Dutch striker was expected to provide competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund. However, Zirkzee’s start to life in the Premier League has been underwhelming.
Despite his undeniable talent, Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to the fast-paced, physical nature of English football. His performances have often been inconsistent, and he has failed to make a significant impact in key matches. This has led to growing frustration among fans and pundits alike. His struggles were notably highlighted in a recent match against Newcastle United, where he was substituted in the first half after a poor display. The decision to take Zirkzee off was met with boos from the Old Trafford crowd, which further compounded the pressure on the young forward.
For a player like Zirkzee, who was expected to make an immediate impact, the lack of form has been a source of disappointment. The high-profile signing has not delivered the type of performances United fans were hoping for, and this has led to mounting speculation that he could be sold or loaned out during the January transfer window.
Pressure Mounts After Substitution Against Newcastle
Zirkzee’s struggles were brought into sharp focus during the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United. The forward’s lack of impact during the match led to his substitution in the first half, which saw the Old Trafford faithful voice their discontent. It is always a difficult situation for any player when they are substituted early in a match, but for Zirkzee, it appeared to be a defining moment in his early United career.
The boos from the fans, which followed him off the pitch, created an uncomfortable atmosphere around Zirkzee. While the reaction from the supporters was undeniably harsh, it also reflected the growing impatience with the striker’s lack of contribution. It was a pivotal moment for the Dutchman, one that could have lasting effects on his confidence and development at United.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes, however, defended Zirkzee in the aftermath of the game. Speaking to talkSPORT, Fernandes expressed his frustration with the treatment Zirkzee received from the fans, emphasizing that the player was giving his all despite his struggles. “I was in the stands and have never seen something like this, and it really frustrates me and annoys me because he is a player that always gives his all,” Fernandes said.
He also pointed out that Zirkzee, as a player coming from a different league, needed time to adjust to the Premier League’s unique demands. Fernandes’ words indicate that the Manchester United dressing room still believes in the 23-year-old’s potential, despite his underwhelming performances so far.
2. Ruben Amorim’s Stance on Zirkzee’s Future
Coach’s Support for Zirkzee Amid Transfer Speculation
Despite Zirkzee’s difficulties, Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he does not want to part ways with the striker in the January transfer window. Ruben Amorim, who took charge of Manchester United in the summer, understands that Zirkzee’s lack of form is frustrating, but he has repeatedly backed the young forward and his efforts.
“I want to keep Josh because he gives everything and he’s trying in training, but we don’t know,” Ruben Amorim said after the 2-2 draw with Liverpool. “The window is open and we will see what happens. We just need to focus on training and to take this for the other games. It’s just one point, so let’s focus on the performance for the next games.”
Ruben Amorim’s words reflect a clear stance on Zirkzee’s future he is not willing to let the striker leave unless there is a significant reason to do so. The Portuguese coach seems to value Zirkzee’s commitment and hard work, acknowledging that it may take time for the striker to adapt fully to the Premier League. In many ways, Ruben Amorim’s decision to support Zirkzee in the face of mounting pressure reflects the confidence he has in the forward’s potential and work ethic.
While the transfer window is open, Ruben Amorim remains focused on the task at hand, which is to get the best out of his current squad. The manager’s priority seems to be improving Zirkzee’s form and providing him with the necessary tools to succeed at United, rather than allowing him to leave on loan or transfer.
The Player’s Desire to Stay at United
Interestingly, it has been reported that Zirkzee has also expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United for the remainder of the season, despite the difficulties he has faced. Sources close to the player have indicated that Zirkzee is committed to fighting for his place in the team and wants to prove himself at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s desire to remain with United aligns with the views of his manager, Ruben Amorim, who has made it clear that he does not want to lose the striker just yet. This mutual desire to work through the challenges together could be a positive development for both player and club, as Zirkzee has the potential to turn his form around with the right support and opportunities.
3. Interest from Serie A: Juventus and Napoli Linked
Potential Return to Italy for Zirkzee
While Ruben Amorim has stated his desire to keep Zirkzee at United, there is no denying that the striker has attracted interest from Serie A clubs, including Juventus and Napoli. Both Italian clubs have been linked with a move for the Dutch forward, with reports suggesting that they are considering a loan move or a potential permanent transfer.
Zirkzee’s time in Serie A with Bologna was relatively successful, and his performances in Italy have led to continued interest from top Serie A clubs. Juventus and Napoli, in particular, are looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Zirkzee has been identified as a potential target.
However, United has reportedly made it clear that they are not willing to let Zirkzee go on a cut-price loan deal. The club’s stance is that if they were to allow Zirkzee to leave, it would have to be on terms that reflect his £36.5 million price tag, or at the very least a loan deal with a strong obligation to buy.
Given that Zirkzee is still in the early stages of his United career, a move back to Italy would seem premature, and United will likely be reluctant to part with the striker just yet. If he is to leave, it will likely be in the summer, once he has had more time to prove himself at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has been rocky, with the striker struggling to live up to expectations following his £36.5 million move from Bologna. Despite his early difficulties, Zirkzee has the backing of his manager, Ruben Amorim, who has made it clear that he does not wish to sell the Dutch forward in January. Ruben Amorim’s confidence in Zirkzee is evident, and he remains focused on helping the striker adapt to the rigors of the Premier League.
Although Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli are reportedly interested in Zirkzee, United are not willing to let him leave on a loan deal without a significant obligation to buy. The coming weeks will be crucial for Zirkzee, as he looks to turn his form around and prove to Ruben Amorim, his teammates, and the fans that he can succeed at Old Trafford.
For now, Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, but with the support of his manager and a desire to stay at the club, he will have the chance to fight for his place and potentially earn a brighter future at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
