‘Miserable’ Man Utd star told he can leave in January on one condition

Manchester United are keen to maintain the services of Joshua Zirkzee at least until the end of the season. However, one particular occurrence could change the club’s stance.Although the striker didn’t set Old Trafford ablaze last season, he endeared himself to the fanbase thanks to his hard-working ethics and neat technical touch.Ruben Amorim considered the Dutchman an integral player in his squad, but the situation has drastically changed this season, at least based on the early evidence.Joshua Zirkzee desperate to leave Man United amidst playing time strugglesThe Portuguese manager has been relying on his three new signings in attack, namely Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, in addition to the revitalised Mason Mount, leaving the ‘miserable’ Zirkzee to rot on the bench.The former Bologna star has only played 82 minutes in the Premier League this season, and he has yet to start in any fixture.(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Therefore, the versatile attacker has been keen to seal a move away from Man Utd in the hopes of reviving his World Cup hopes. The Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has already warned Zirkzee that his lack of playing time will cost him a place in the squad.Nevertheless, The Daily Briefing insists that United have no desire to deprive themselves of the Dutch striker’s services.After all, they only have one other first-team centre-forward in Benjanin Sesko, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo are set to leave for the African Cup of Nations next month, causing an attacking deficiency.Zirkzee can only leave if Man Utd find a replacementOn the contrary, the source notes that MUFC would consider letting Zirkzee leave if they were to sign a new striker in January.However, this won’t be Endrick, as Real Madrid were only willing to send him away on a dry loan, while the Premier League giants were hoping to include an option to buy in the agreement. Therefore, the Brazilian teenager appears set to join Olympique Lyonnais, who would be happy to accommodate him on a temporary basis. Zirkzee’s playing time in EPL this season Minutes Arsenal 0 Fulham 0 Burnley 59 Manchester City 10 Chelsea 0 Brentford 5 Sunderland 0 Liverpool 0 Brighton 8 Nottingham Forest 0 Total 82 So despite having a host of reported suitors vying for his services (including Milan, Roma, Real Betis and Sevilla), Zirkzee might struggle to escape Carrington in the middle of the season.Hence, his best bet to earn more playing time would be to challenge Sesko for a starting spot, even though Amorim feels that the Slovenian is more suited to the No.9 role.