New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly already writing off one player as he evaluates his squad.
Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed on his debut earlier this season, has since struggled to replicate that form, managing only two assists and failing to score in the following 16 games.
The 23-year-old striker’s future at Old Trafford is reportedly a topic of discussion for Amorim during his meetings with United figures this week at Carrington.
Despite hopes that Amorim could reignite Zirkzee’s spark, Tuttosport claims the manager has already deemed him “not adequate.” The report suggests Amorim is keen to bring in Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford, which could potentially lead to Zirkzee being loaned out as early as January.
Prior to Amorim’s arrival, former Bologna and Bayern Munich forward Zirkzee was linked with a temporary move to Juventus, and the Turin-based club reportedly remains interested. Italian reports indicate that Juventus has already begun attempts to secure Zirkzee’s services, and his salary is not deemed prohibitive. Manchester United hopes its £36.5 million summer investment retains value.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright recently expressed his doubts about Zirkzee’s future at United under Amorim’s leadership. He candidly stated: “To be honest, when I look at the strikers Manchester United have, I look at [Rasmus] Hojlund and Zirkzee. Going forward, as a United player to take the club to where they need to be – top four, Champion’s League, title challengers – I can’t see in any formation Zirkzee making it based on what I’ve seen so far.”
“With Hojlund, I think he looks like a future player with better players around him. He gives me the impression that if he gets in and around the box and gets chances, he can go hot. I don’t see the same with Zirkzee. When I look at his movement, I don’t see anything in his game that makes me think, ‘Okay, there he is, that’s what he can do.’
Wright continued: “I see that in Hojlund and some of the others. I can see them easily leveling up but I feel for Zirkzee.”
Amorim, who took over at Old Trafford on Monday, understands the urgency to improve United’s goal-scoring record. Erik ten Hag clearly identified this as a critical issue before his dismissal last month.
“Not scoring goals, not scoring enough. That’s the problem, the key area. We have to score more goals as a team,” Ten Hag explained.
“I think we have players across the team who have the ability to score. That’s clear. You see all the opportunities we are creating; we are not scoring enough.”
# Ruben Amorim’s Assessment: Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee Faces Uncertain Future
## A Promising Talent Stuck in Limbo?
Manchester United’s loan signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bayern Munich promised a burst of youthful excitement to their attacking lineup. The Dutch striker, known for his clinical finishing and physicality, was hoped to provide cover and competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. However, the reality has been far from straightforward. With Ruben Amorim‘s recent assessment of Zirkzee casting doubt on his future at the club, it seems the young forward faces an uncertain path ahead.
### The Loan Spell So Far: A Mixed Bag of Performances
Zirkzee’s loan spell at Manchester United hasn’t exactly been a resounding success. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring crucial goals in cup competitions, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League.
**Here’s a breakdown of Zirkzee’s performance highlights and challenges:**
* **Positives:**
* Goalscoring Instinct: Zirkzee has demonstrated his predatory instincts with several well-taken goals, including a valuable strike against Leeds United.
* Physical Presence: His strong build allows him to hold up the ball effectively, linking up play and creating opportunities for teammates.
* **Challenges:**
* Limited Premier League Game Time: Zirkzee has found it difficult to secure regular starts in the highly competitive Manchester United squad.
* Adaptation Struggles: Adjusting to a new league, team, and tactical system takes time, and Zirkzee’s performances have been inconsistent as he navigates these challenges.
### Amorim’s Verdict: A Cause for Concern?
Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP manager and a known admirer of Zirkzee, recently expressed concerns about the striker’s development at Manchester United. He stated that Zirkzee needs regular game time to reach his full potential and questioned if he was getting enough opportunities in the Premier League.
| Amorim’s Concerns | Potential Impact on Zirkzee |
|---|---|
| Lack of Regular Game Time | Stagnation in Development, Loss of Momentum |
| Competition within Manchester United Squad | Difficulty Establishing Himself as a Key Player |
Amorim’s comments have undoubtedly raised eyebrows and put pressure on Manchester United to provide Zirkzee with more playing time.
### Navigating the Future: Options for Zirkzee
With his future at Manchester United unclear, Zirkzee has several paths he could consider:
* **Fighting for His Place at Manchester United:**
Zirkzee could use Amorim’s comments as motivation to impress Erik ten Hag and earn more opportunities in the Premier League. He needs to consistently deliver high-quality performances during training and capitalize on any chances given to him.
* **Exploring a Permanent Move:**
If Zirkzee feels he doesn’t have a long-term future at Manchester United, a permanent transfer to another club that can offer him consistent playing time might be the best option for his development.
* **Seeking Another Loan Deal:**
A loan move to a club where he can be a regular starter could be beneficial. He could gain valuable experience and confidence before returning to Manchester United or pursuing a permanent transfer elsewhere.
## Conclusion
Joshua Zirkzee’s situation at Manchester United is a delicate one. While his talent is undeniable, his development has been hampered by limited game time. Ruben Amorim’s assessment shines a light on this issue, placing pressure on Manchester United to provide Zirkzee with the opportunities he needs to thrive. The coming months will be crucial for Zirkzee as he navigates this uncertainty and decides the best path to fulfill his potential as a top-class striker.
