Manchester United will not allow Joshua Zirkzee to leave the club in January, according to reports. The young Dutchman joined Old Trafford last summer and made his Premier League debut with a late win against Fulham. That raised hopes that he would score a lot of goals for United, but so far that hasn’t happened.
Zirksee scored just seven points in 53 games with the Red Devils, resulting in a drop in his reputation. This season he has played just 74 minutes in the Premier League, not scoring or assisting. Zirkzee has fallen down the pecking order with the arrival of Benjamin Sesco in the summer and is said to be unhappy with the lack of playing time.
He knows he needs to earn regular playing time to have a chance of being selected for the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. As a result, the forward is considering his future at United.
According to i, Zirksee is not necessarily keen on a transfer, but is open to exploring his options. The player is thought to be “dissatisfied” with his current situation and West Ham are thought to be planning a loan move in January.
Many clubs in Italy are also keeping an eye on Zirksee, with Roma also said to be one of the clubs interested.
However, the report adds that United have no intention of letting Zirksee leave midway through the season. The powers that be at Old Trafford reportedly share Ruben Amorim’s view that no one should be allowed sent off in January.
This means Koby Mainu is also likely to be denied a departure, with the midfielder announcing his intention to go on loan towards the end of the summer window.
United have raised more money than ever in the summer and are therefore under no financial pressure to sell players. They currently intend to resist other clubs’ attempts to sign Zirksee, but the situation could develop in the near future.
Some interested clubs believe United could allow a loan move to help the striker’s development, especially if he becomes more excited.
The Red Devils have not played European football this season for the first time in 12 years. Normally Zirksee would be given minutes in these games, but his opportunities are expected to be limited given United’s failure to qualify at the end of last season.
The paper also claims that young forward Chido Obi could be recalled to the first team as a replacement if Zirkzee leaves in January.
