Ruben Amorim’s biggest challenge will be to get goals out of his Manchester United team with the Red Devils currently 18th in the Premier League for goals scored.
Marcus Rashford netted on the Portuguese’s debut against Ipswich Town but after that, he struggled to hold up the ball and his body language was far from impressive.
Second-half substitutes Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee fared little better with the new head coach not pleased with the Dutchman’s impact.
Instead of sprinting inside the box to try and connect with a cross late in the game, the former Bologna star was sauntering around the edge of the box.
Zirkzee’s difficulties
“Then you have like we are in the end of the game, we were around the box with two strikers. Josh [Zirkzee] has to understand that he has to go to the box to have the crosses,” was the coach’s assessment as relayed by F365.
The 23-year-old has struggled since his summer move, netting only once so far while providing two assists. His poor form has seen many outlets claiming that former manager Erik ten Hag did not endorse his signing while Amorim is also not a fan.
Suffering from a lack of confidence, the Netherlands international has told his agent to try and find him a new club in January. Juventus, managed by ex-Bologna boss Thiago Motta, are leading the race.
Quite a few other Serie A clubs and even Aston Villa in the Premier League are open to recruiting the former Bayern Munich starlet but as of now, the 20-time English league champions have no desire to move him on.
TuttoSport have claimed that should Zirkzee continue to be used as a substitute, he will press for an exit with his agent Kia Joorabchian set to meet Old Trafford officials before Christmas.
Meeting planned
“Those at Continassa are closely monitoring the evolution of the relationship between Ruben Amorim and Joshua Zirkzee. If the Dutchman were to continue to play the role of a reserve at Manchester United, he could ask to leave in January.
“With Juventus alert and ready to take action for a loan with an option to buy. Keep an eye on the meeting planned before Christmas between the agent of the former Bologna striker (Kia Joorabchian) and the management of the Red Devils. On that occasion, the situation will be assessed and the future of Thiago Motta’s protégé will most likely be decided.”
The Red Devils are likely to offer Zirkzee a bit more time to try and adapt to the new coach’s demands. Should he fail to improve, next summer could see him depart.
United should ideally try and recoup the fee they paid Bologna in case they do decide to move him on. A January deal seems unlikely unless the Old Trafford side can bring in an elite goalscorer on loan.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
