Joshua Zirkzee, once tipped to become a Manchester United cult hero, has faced his fair share of challenges. After an embarrassing substitution just 33 minutes into a match against Newcastle last December, Zirkzee demonstrated remarkable resilience in the following weeks. The Dutchman, initially signed as a striker, was a joy to watch when he was moved to one of the No 10 roles, despite it becoming clear that he lacked the skills to spearhead United’s attack.
United supporters were rooting for Zirkzee after his early exit from the Newcastle game, but his position in the squad took a hit this summer with the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. This season, opportunities have been scarce for Zirkzee. Mbeumo and Cunha have been the preferred choices behind the striker while Mason Mount, Amad and Bruno Fernandes are also capable of playing there.
Ruben Amorim hasn’t given Zirkzee a single start, even relegating him to the bench for the Carabao Cup second round match against Grimsby Town.
With fewer fixtures this term and the early Carabao Cup exit coupled with the failure to qualify for European football, Zirkzee’s chances of getting game time have dwindled.
His limited pitch time, totalling just 82 minutes across four appearances from the bench against Grimsby, Burnley, Manchester City and Brentford, is hardly surprising given the circumstances.
Zirkzee’s fall from grace at Manchester United was somewhat expected, given the club’s summer acquisitions and failure to secure a European spot.
The lack of game time is causing concern for the Dutchman, with rumours suggesting he could be on his way out of Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
The forward knows that regular play is crucial to making the Netherlands squad for the World Cup. Staying at United would almost certainly dash those hopes.
West Ham have shown interest in Zirkzee and a return to Italy with Roma has also been suggested, with the latter option said to be more appealing to the player.
Zirkzee only needs to look at former team-mate Rasmus Hojlund’s success at Napoli to see why a return to Italy could be beneficial.
Hojlund has found a new lease of life since his deadline day move to Napoli, netting four times in six appearances.
The issue for Zirkzee is whether a January move makes sense for United as well as him. He may not be a starter, but he is considered a valuable member of the squad.
United are just one misfortune away from requiring Zirkzee, and Amorim will likely want to retain him for the rest of the season, potentially jeopardising his World Cup prospects.
A standoff between both parties could emerge in January, with United, who pay Zirkzee’s wages, holding the upper hand in negotiations.