Ruben Amorim was let down massively by Manchester United’s strikers — Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.
The Dane managed a meagre four Premier League goals all campaign, while the Dutchman fared little better, scoring seven goals in all competitions.
But while the Denmark international’s overall play was beyond disappointing, the former Bayern Munich ace impressed with his link-up play and trickery with the ball at his feet.
So much so that Amorim wants him to stay, while he is willing to sanction Hojlund’s exit. But that has not stopped the rumour mill from linking Joshua Zirkzee with an exit from United after only one season.
Tutto Atalanta have claimed that Atalanta are looking at the Netherlands international as a replacement for Mateo Retegui.
Atalanta want Joshua Zirkzee
With Ademola Lookman’s departure also on the cards, new coach Ivan Juric has identified the United No.11 as the perfect all-round replacement.
The Serie A side are willing to offer a loan deal with an option to buy. La Dea are confident of securing the versatile ace due to the good relations between the two clubs. Zirkzee’s compatriot Marten de Roon is pushing for the deal to be completed.
“Mateo Retegui has said goodbye, and now Atalanta’s most delicate task is finding a worthy heir. In recent days, as exclusively revealed by TuttoAtalanta.com, Joshua Zirkzee, the talented Dutchman of Manchester United, has been identified as one of the leading candidates to strengthen the Nerazzurri’s attack.
“The deal remains complex, but far from impossible. The Zirkzee deal hasn’t yet taken off, but the chemistry between Manchester United and Atalanta could play a decisive role. The relationship is excellent, as demonstrated by the Diallo and Højlund deals of recent years. A loan-with-an-option could be the key to unlocking the deal, satisfying both parties.
Loan with an option to be offered
“In the background, Lookman remains to be evaluated, and now, more than ever, he’s a key figure: the Nigerian is being courted with great conviction by Atletico Madrid , while Inter have also made more tentative offers. Should he leave, Zirkzee’s arrival would become not only interesting, but even necessary to fill the void left up front.
“Juric demands weight and quality, and Zirkzee can offer both. His international experience—enhanced by a Champions League win with Bayern Munich—could be an added bonus for the Atalanta’s European campaign.”
INEOS are unlikely to sanction a loan departure, moreover Amorim is a huge fan of Zirkzee and wants him to stay. So these reports from Italy are intended to stir the pot but it is unlikely to result in his departure.
With the 20-time English league champions yet to secure a striker’s signing, the 24-year-old could end up playing up front, but this time with support from two creative outlets like Matheus Cunha and hopefully, Bryan Mbeumo.
The Dutch ace would be the perfect foil for the two talented No.10s and it would represent a fluid front-three set-up.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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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
