In the latest buzz from Old Trafford, murmurs of unrest have surfaced as one increasingly discontented Manchester United star edges closer to engineering an exit from the Premier League titans come January, due to lingering ‘issues’.
The Red Devils underwent a monumental revamp over the summer, aimed squarely at rejuvenating their forward line. Last season’s attacking woes, highlighted by the struggles of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, prompted a splurge of approximately £200 million on new firepower, including Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha.
This overhaul saw the departure of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony, all sidelined by head coach Rúben Amorim as surplus to requirements.
Despite the significant changes, United’s attacking deficiencies linger, hampered by Amorim’s persistent use of a problematic 3-4-3 formation.
There’s potential for another shake-up this January, with Zirkzee reportedly on the brink of departure following an unsuccessful attempt to return to Serie A over the summer. With Šeško’s arrival further pushing him down the pecking order, Zirkzee’s position at Old Trafford looks increasingly untenable.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Zirkzee is currently ‘unhappy at Man Utd,’ with potential friction arising under specific conditions. O’Rourke suggests that if Zirkzee, already eyeing next summer’s World Cup, remains on the fringes under Amorim, he might seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Having made a mere three Premier League outings, just one as part of the starting XI, and accumulating only 82 minutes on the pitch this season, Zirkzee’s frustration appears justified. The summer’s lavish expenditure on Cunha, Šeško, and Mbeumo has edged Zirkzee further from the spotlight.
Interest from Italy remains high, owing to Zirkzee’s impressive stint at Bologna prior to his Manchester move. Clubs such as Como and Juventus are reportedly on high alert, monitoring the youngster’s situation closely.
Caught Offside reports that United’s hierarchy may have crafted an ‘ideal one-in-one-out scenario’ to offload Zirkzee, aiming to generate funds for a suitable replacement. Potential suitors are forewarned that around €35-40 million could prompt United into parting ways with the once-promising starlet, potentially providing a fresh solution to their ongoing struggles.
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