Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed he wants Joshua Zirkzee to stay at the club beyond the ongoing January transfer window despite suggestions that the player could be on his way out.
Zirkzee has endured a difficult time since he signed for United from Bologna in the summer in a deal worth around £36.5million.
He has not really found his feet at Old Trafford, with some of his performances leaving plenty to be desired.
Reports linking him with a move away intensified after he was brutally jeered off the pitch by a section of United fans during the 2-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle.
Some of the clubs mentioned as being keen on taking Zirkzee this month are Napoli, Juventus, and his former side, Bologna.
Juventus appear to be the party with the strongest interest in the Netherlands international. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio recently revealed that the Serie A giants were in talks with Zirkzee’s agent regarding a potential January switch to Turin, where a reunion with Thiago Motta awaits.
Despite this, Amorim has insisted that his wish is for Zirkzee to remain at United.
After Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Amorim told reporters about the 23-year-old forward, “I want to keep Josh Zirkzee because he gives everything.”
“He’s trying in training but we don’t know, the window is open… we will see what happens.”
🔴🇳🇱 Rúben Amorim: “I want to keep Josh Zirkzee because he gives everything”.
“He’s trying in training but we don’t know, the window is open… we will see what happens”. pic.twitter.com/ZaTaSu33Fl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2025
United skipper Bruno Fernandes also extended his support to Zirkzee.
Fernandes said, “We believe in Zirkzee. He needs time to adapt but he has quality for sure.”
“What happened against Newcastle… I’d rather be myself in this position against Newcastle and not seeing one of my teammates in that position.”
“I was in the stands and have never seen something like this, and it really frustrates me and annoys me because he is a player that always gives his all.”
🚨 Bruno: “We believe in Zirkzee. He needs time to adapt but he has quality for sure”.
“What happened against Newcastle… I’d rather be myself in this position against against Newcastle and not seeing one of my teammates in that position”.
“I was in the stands and have never… pic.twitter.com/lDpPHLijKd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 5, 2025
Zirkzee started on the bench at Anfield and was only brought on for the final few minutes. He nearly registered an assist after delivering a pass to Harry Maguire but the English defender aimed his effort over the bar.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
