It is not the most high-profile story at Manchester United right now, but a decision on Joshua Zirkzee’s future is coming into view - with sources indicating the forward is preparing to explore fresh opportunities in January.
The Dutchman survived the summer reshuffle at Old Trafford despite suggestions he could be moved on, but his standing in the squad has barely improved.
He has been an unused substitute three times already this season and was handed just five minutes in last weekend’s clash with Brentford.
The likelihood is that he starts on the bench again when United face Sunderland in a crunch match for Ruben Amorim this weekend, offering another reminder of his current squad status.
Inside Old Trafford, there is sympathy for Zirkzee’s situation.
He has never quite managed to establish a defined role since arriving from Bologna, and the club’s relentless push to refresh their attack has only made matters worse.
More than £200 million has been invested since the end of last season on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, leaving Zirkzee squeezed out of the picture.
He has seven goals from 53 United appearances but retains a strong reputation in Italy, where Juventus and AC Milan have tracked him before.
Now Como are also exploring the possibility of offering him a new challenge.
Our understanding is that United value Zirkzee at around £30m, yet a loan exit in January is considered the most realistic option.
The only factor that could change his trajectory is Amorim’s own future.
Should a new manager arrive before the end of the year, there is a small chance Zirkzee could be given the reset he has been waiting for.
But the expectation is that his United career is entering its final stretch, with a move away in the new year looking increasingly likely.
And a return to Italy would be his most likely destination.
Jipcdilryz
1
Bilal tukur
vuaabdipu
1
Any team in Serie A will be fortunate to have him
Jokerswild
1
Hmm,🤔 haven’t won anything with my lineup selection, can’t score goals. I know, hmm , 🤔 Let me start a kid who we signed to score goals but hasn’t been afforded the chance to play. ZIRKZEE…… to the rescue 🛟 START ZIRKZEE, why haven’t I thought about that sooner!!!! I Know, They Might Not Fire 🔥 Me, If We Start Winning 🏆🔥🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣
W4D
0
He is a very good player and deserves minutes at United. The coach should stop substituting defenders in every game but reshuffling midfield and strikers
lewcklmnst
0
make mun buy another players please
Sadmnops
0
zirkee leave man utd quickly and relaunch your career wherever possible.
wiabcersy
0
Manchester united football club and all the football teams and their families join us go to Sheikh Jassim house to pray for Manchester United 🙏 because Sheikh Jassim curse united in his heart I can see that 😉
fisaenopst
1
no
patikstuy
2
players can't keep leaving club because of coach ,time for him to leave quickly
greenshoes
0
manutd. what your prblem bro.. all clubs develop and improve every season.. and you the only one who get million and destroyed players career.. whats wrong with you bro manutd.. tell. me. whats ur prob nig
academy1
3
why is ManUtd destroying so many players? that club is cursed. players were good before they arrived, and after they arrived, they became very bad. After they left, they became very good again.
hezbdopty
1
GOOD
hosmnptz
2
If I am him, I will leave the club and go to a place I can be the main man because he is so gifted as a player. He plays like a Brazilian
Niccdortu
2
These journalists never cease to amaze me. When he is given a chance to play, they question his selection claiming he hasn't delivered for United. Now they say, "inside Old Trafford" there is sympathy for Zirkzee's situation! Should we be reading these articles with our brains switched off and also forget what else has been written about the player in question? Make it make sense.
sirbodmas
4
The earlier he finds another club to play for, the better for him