Ruben Amorim has decided to move on from Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee after he asked to leave Old Trafford.
United spent £36.5m to sign Zirzkee from Bologna in the summer of 2024 after the Dutchman enjoyed a productive season in Serie A.
Zirkzee hit double figures in his first full season in the Italian top-flight but got nowhere near that number in his first campaign in the Premier League, contributing just three goals.
The 24-year-old did fare better in Europe, helping United reach the Europa League final, but it was still a hugely underwhelming season for the Netherlands international.
Zirzkee attracted much criticism during a difficult campaign, with some pundits instantly writing him off as a transfer flop and Jamie O’Hara claiming he is ‘one of the worst players to ever play’ for Manchester United.
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Erik ten Hag’s signing missed the end of last season through injury and has struggled for minutes since his return to fitness, with Zirkzee yet to start a game this season and all four of his appearances coming off the bench.
Zirkzee’s prospects at Old Trafford already looked bleak but United bolstered Amorim’s attacking options with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo over the summer.
It was reported last week that Zirzkee was ready to push for a move away from United and had attracted interest from multiple Italian clubs.
Roma and Napoli were said to be admirers of the Dutch forward despite his difficult spell in Manchester, while Premier League rivals West Ham have also been linked with a move.
According to the Daily Mirror, Zirzkee is preparing to hand in a transfer request ahead of the January transfer window as he believes a move would be in the best interest of all parties.
Ruben Amorim addresses Joshua Zirkzee rumours
Asked if he understands the frustrations of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Liverpool, Amorim said: ‘That is normal.
‘I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play.
‘Like you said, there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time.
‘So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season.’
Zirzkee is keen to get more regular minutes as he still has aspirations of making the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
Amorim recently dismissed speculation over Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo’s future but the Mirror say he has privately decided to offload the former.
It is also claimed that Amorim’s bosses at Manchester United are ready to listen to offers for Zirkzee, with a permanent or loan move both possible.
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Zirzkee is believed to be keen to stay in the Premier League – making a move to West Ham a distinct possibility – but is also open to a move abroad if the right opportuity presents itself.
Manchester United’s No. 11 was an unused substitute at Liverpool last weekend as Amorim clinched the club’s first win at Anfield since 2016.
Cody Gakpo cancelled out Mbeumo’s early opener before Harry Maguire headed home United’s winner from Bruno Fernandes’ inventive cross.
Following a previous win over Sunderland, it was the first Manchester United have recorded back-to-back Premier League wins since Amorim’s appointment last November.
United, currently ninth in the Premier League, will look to make it three wins from three on Saturday when Brighton travel to Old Trafford.
Manchester United lost both of their games against Brighton last season and were beaten 3-1 in this fixture back in January.
Given the congested nature of the league, a win could take United into the top-four, while a defeat will see Amorim’s side drop back into the bottom-half of the table.
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