Manchester United “regret” signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna last summer, a report from Spain has claimed.
United forked out £36.5m to secure Zirkzee’s signature. He was brought in to help Rasmus Hojlund shoulder the burden of leading the line for the club.
Zirkzee had a dream start at United, netting a late winner against Fulham on his debut. However, he struggled to maintain that momentum, and his performances nosedived.
In 29 Premier League games played so far, the Netherlands international has managed just three goals and one assist. He has made 44 appearances across all competitions and found the back of the net six times.
Over the past few weeks, Ruben Amorim has primarily used Zirkzee in an attacking midfield role and he has shown very encouraging signs of improvement.
In the number 1o position, he has looked sharper and more confident, as evidenced by his willingness to take players on and come up with magical moments. Amorim has repeatedly praised Zirkzee and his impact on the pitch.
Nevertheless, this has done little to quash rumours about a potential exit in the summer. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Napoli boss Antonio Conte is pushing to land Zirkzee. He has also been mentioned to be on Juventus’ radar, but their interest may fizzle out following Thiago Motta’s sacking. Zirkzee worked under Motta at Bologna.
Now, Fichajes report that United “regret” recruiting Zirkzee and they already “want him out.”
The Spanish news outlet claims that the 23-year-old’s days at Old Trafford “are numbered” as he has failed to justify his price tag.
It’s understood that his performances “have fallen far short of expectations”, and as such, United are “willing to listen to offers to let him leave.”
Fichajes add, “This statistic [his goal contributions] has raised doubts among the coaching staff and board, who do not see the player as a key player in the team’s immediate future.”
Zirkzee is said to be in “a difficult position” due to the competition for places at United and his lack of consistency.
Unless he manages to turn things around before the end of the campaign, he will be made available for transfer.
The Red Devils are back in action on Tuesday when they go away to Nottingham Forest. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.
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!
