European giants hold talks with 23-yo United star who was criticised by Amorim at Ipswich – report

Juventus have made a contact for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the winter transfer window, as per reports.

Zirkzee joined United in the summer amid much expectations, having impressed with his hold-up play and technical ability in the final third at Bologna.

However, ever since his arrival, the Dutchman has struggled to adjust to the intensity of the Premier League, leading to limited minutes under Erik ten Hag.

Now, the start under new manager Ruben Amorim has only intensified suggestions of his exit in January.

Amorim started Marcus Rashford as his number nine against Ipswich Town, leaving both Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee on the bench. The ex-Bologna man entered the pitch in the 68th minute.

The Portuguese tactician appeared very animated while giving Zirkzee instructions before introducing him. However, after the full-time whistle, Amorim criticised the summer signing for his reluctance to get in the box to receive crosses.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the 23-year-old forward is attracting interest from Juventus, who are in the front row for his services.

The Old Lady are led by Thiago Motta, who got the best out of Zirkzee at Bologna before becoming Juve’s manager.

Motta may have to reshape his attack for the Netherlands striker, but that is unlikely to discourage the Italian giants from pursuing him.

It is claimed that “first contact” has already been made between Juventus and Zirkzee.

Amorim’s desire to play Rashford through the middle as well as presence of Hojlund, who appears more suited to the manager’s system, owing to his pace and physicality, may further frustrate the ex-Bayern Munich man and increase the possibility of an exit, sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, in recent days, United have been linked with a number of strikers, including Sporting CP man Viktor Gyökeres and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social