Joshua Zirkzee’s frustration at Manchester United has “escalated significantly” in recent weeks, as per reports.
Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in a deal worth £36.5m on the back of an excellent 2023/24 campaign in Italy.
However, the Dutch striker seemed to struggle as the focal point of Erik ten Hag’s attack. Interestingly, he enjoyed a fine run of form as a wide playmaker under Amorim, featuring in 21 successive league games in the second half of last season.
Three clubs wanted Zirkzee in summer
According to the Daily Mail, Napoli “desperately” wanted to sign the technically gifted number nine in the summer but United had no interest in sanctioning his exit.
Juventus and PSV Eindhoven also showed interest in Zirkzee. Still, the Red Devils kept hold of the 24-year-old and instead let Rasmus Hojlund depart to Naples.
After initially showing so much faith in the youngster, Amorim has practically ignored him this campaign.
He is yet to start a game for United and has been an unused substitute in four of the seven Premier League games so far.
Zirkzee considering Man United exit
It is understood Zirkzee’s frustration with his situation at Old Trafford has “reached a point where he is looking for an exit route in January.”
The Netherlands international is “deeply frustrated” after falling down the pecking order under Amorim, who added Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks in the summer.
Zirkzee has been left out of Ronald Koeman’s squad for the qualifiers against Malta and Finland. He is desperate to get back into the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup next summer.
As such, an exit in January is viewed as “absolutely crucial” for the forward.
Kobbie Mainoo faces a similar concern at the club. The Englishman’s request for a move away in the summer was turned down by United. However, he continues to struggle under Amorim, having yet to start a Premier League game this term.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
