Man Utd have 'serious doubts' about summer signing

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Nov 2024 15:37 GMT
3 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United bosses have 'serious doubts' about Joshua Zirkzee, according to a report.

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Much of the media focus during the bygone international break has naturally been on new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, but the name of summer signing Zirkzee has continued to be a topic of heated speculation and discussion in the public forum.

The Dutchman has not scored a single goal since his debut strike against Fulham on opening day of the Premier League season - three months ago - and questions have been raised over his suitability to Man Utd.

Indeed, rumours linking the 23-year-old with a return to Serie A have been rampant, with Juventus an obvious connection due to their desire to add a striker and the fact that they are now coached by Zirkzee's former Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

Amorim has promised to give Man Utd's flops a chance to impress, saying at his first pre-match press conference on Friday: "I know you guys don't believe in these players, but I do.

"You guys think it's not possible, I think it's possible. I believe in them, they are open to different things, they have to work hard and until they prove me wrong I believe in them."

Man Utd have Zirkzee doubts

Despite Amorim's vote of confidence, his enthusiasm and optimism are not shared by everybody at Old Trafford. At least that is according to the Manchester Evening News, which claims that some at the club have 'serious doubts' about Zirkzee.

After just four months, 'some senior figures' have already come to the conclusion that the striker is 'not good enough' and are looking to offload one of their centre-forwards for a more dependable replacement in 2025, with Zirkzee the obvious candidate.

This is good news for Juventus, who are keeping an eye on the Dutchman's situation. Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Serie A giants had shifted their focus to Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick.

However, Leverkusen's first-choice option Victor Boniface has now suffered an injury on international duty that will keep him out at least until the new year, which could complicate a Schick transfer and put Zirkzee back on the agenda.