Man Utd stance on Zirkzee revealed after Ten Hag sacking

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Oct 2024 16:52 GMT
3 min read

Ruud van Nistelrooij, Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Leaving Manchester United is 'absolutely not an option' for Joshua Zirkzee, according to a report.

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The Red Devils striker will have to share in some of the blame for Erik ten Hag losing his job. Signed for €42.5 million in the summer, Zirkzee only has one goal to his name so far, though it was to be expected that he wouldn't set the world alight at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was not a prolific goalscorer at Bologna and he has, predictably, not been one at Man Utd at a time when the club needed one the most.

With Man Utd only having scored eight goals in nine Premier League fixtures so far this term, Zirkzee has come under heavy fire and speculation surrounding his future has been rampant.

The 23-year-old, who had wanted to remain in Serie A and move to AC Milan before the deal collapsed, is said to be keen on returning to Italy, but this won't be happening anytime soon.

Zirkzee going nowhere

According to Sky Germany, there is no chance of Zirkzee already leaving Man Utd in January or next summer. A departure after just six or 12 months at Old Trafford is 'absolutely not an option' for the Dutch striker.

Man Utd are determined to keep him and he is not thinking about heading back to Serie A, having only just arrived at the club. Zirkzee is, after all, still tied down until at least 2029 with the option for a further season.

Ten Hag's erstwhile assistant and legendary Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will now be tasked with getting the best out of his compatriot. However, Zirkzee is a very different striker to Rasmus Hojlund, a player more similar to Van Nistelrooy and who has already hailed the coach's impact on his game.

Either way, Man Utd will have to find a way to get the best out of their summer signing.