Manchester United make decision on Joshua Zirkzee as Serie A clubs line up with loan offers - Reports

Manchester United have reportedly reached a decision on how to handle striker Joshua Zirkzee amid interest from several Italian sides over a January switch. The Dutch striker has failed to hit the ground running in English football following his transfer from Bologna in the summer.

Zirkzee was one of the standout performers for Bologna in the 2023-24 season, scoring 11 league goals to help the Serie A side qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Manchester United paid over €40 million to sign the Dutchman as a direct replacement for Anthony Martial, who left the club after his contract expired. Zirkzee has not found life in Manchester to be what he expected, with just three goals for the Red Devils so far.

Manchester United are worried about the highly rated 23-year-old and are prepared to provide an environment that will enable him to thrive. Fichajes.net has revealed that the Red Devils are committed to doing this, even if it means that Zirkzee will have to spend time away from the club on loan.

Several Serie A sides have kept tabs on Zirkzee since his switch to England, and are prepared to try and sign the striker. His former side, Bologna, are also in the race to take him back on loan, while Juventus and Napoli have also been linked with the Netherlands international.

Zirkzee appears to have exhausted the patience of Manchester United fans and coach Ruben Amorim, seeing what happened to him in their last game. The striker started against Newcastle United but was taken off in the 33rd minute, with his side 2-0 down at home. He looked to be holding back tears as his substitution was cheered by the fans, and he went straight down the tunnel before re-appearing shortly after.

Manchester United coach throws weight behind struggling Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has revealed that he has spoken to Joshua Zirkzee about his decision to take him off in the first half against Newcastle United. The former Sporting coach revealed that he plans on supporting the striker amid his struggles.

“Josh is a really good lad. We will support him and keep going," he said (via Fabrizio Romano on X).

“It was really tough for me to do that, but I've spoken to Josh as it was important to express the message. We needed Josh to go out, for the team."

Zirkzee started the game as one of two players behind striker Rasmus Hojlund in the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes. It was the position from which he scored a brace against Everton at the start of December, but he failed to have an impact and was quickly taken off by Amorim.

Joshua Zirkzee has now played 19 times in the Premier League this season, with just three goals to his name for the Red Devils. The Dutch striker has been linked with an immediate return to Italy, with several sides said to be keen to sign him.