Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United Future in Doubt Just Months After £36 Million Move
Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career is already at a crossroads, just six months after his £36 million transfer from Bologna. The Dutch forward, who arrived in July following a breakout season in Serie A, has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford. Despite scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances and playing a vital role in Bologna’s Champions League qualification under Thiago Motta, Zirkzee has yet to replicate that form in England.
### A Promising Start, Now in Limbo
Zirkzee was signed under Erik ten Hag’s management, with the former United boss envisioning him as a competitor for Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund in the forward line. However, ten Hag’s departure and Ruben Amorim’s arrival have altered the dynamics. Amorim’s adoption of a 3-4-3 system has left Zirkzee struggling to fit into the Portuguese manager’s tactical plans.
Recent performances under Amorim further highlight Zirkzee’s challenges. In United’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town, Marcus Rashford was deployed centrally, supported by Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Zirkzee came on as a substitute in the 68th minute but failed to make an impact. Similarly, in a Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt, Amorim started Højlund, who scored twice, leaving Zirkzee on the bench for the entirety of the match.
### Lack of Impact and Criticism from Amorim
Zirkzee has struggled for consistency this season, completing only one full match and scoring just once in 18 appearances. Amorim has not hesitated to voice his concerns about the 22-year-old’s performances, particularly regarding his positioning and decision-making.
> “Decision-making is a concern—you shouldn’t need to coach that at this level,” Amorim told *Sky Sports*. “Players must recognize when to hold possession and when to push forward. Josh needs to understand that during our attacks, he has to be in the box for the crosses.”
### Juventus Offering an Escape Route
Reports from *Gazzetta dello Sport* suggest that Juventus, now managed by Zirkzee’s former Bologna coach Thiago Motta, could offer a lifeline. Motta is reportedly keen to reunite with the striker in January, potentially on a loan deal. A return to Serie A under a familiar system could provide Zirkzee with the stability and confidence he needs to rediscover his form.
### A Difficult Decision for United
While a loan move to Juventus might benefit Zirkzee’s development, it would leave Manchester United short-handed in attack. With Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund already shouldering the burden of United’s offensive play, sending Zirkzee out mid-season could risk further thinning an already inconsistent forward line.
### A Career at a Crossroads
Zirkzee’s early struggles at Old Trafford underline the challenges of adapting to a new league, tactical system, and heightened expectations. Although his talent remains undeniable, his future at Manchester United hangs in the balance. The upcoming January transfer window could be a turning point, offering him a chance to regain his confidence at Juventus or push for greater integration into Amorim’s plans.
United must now carefully evaluate whether to prioritize Zirkzee’s development or retain him as part of their squad, knowing that this decision could shape both his career and the team’s fortunes in the second half of the season.
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