Joshua Zirkzee makes decision on Manchester United future amid interest from Juventus - Reports

Joshua Zirkzee reportedly wants to leave Manchester United amid interest from Juventus. The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford in July 2024 on a five-year contract for a reported fee of £36.5 million.

Zirkzee's journey with the Red Devils has not gone as well as anticipated. The 23-year-old has been struggling to get minutes on the pitch, starting in 11 out of the 27 appearances he has made this season.

In Manchester United's last Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Monday, Zirkzee was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo in the 33rd minute as a tactical change. After the substitution was announced, the Bayern Munich graduate was reportedly seen with tears in his eyes in the tunnel following jeers by the home crowd.

While Joshua Zirkzee has not clicked at United, Juventus are reportedly keen on bringing him to Turin. The Serie A giants are looking to add to their attack line in the ongoing transfer window, with Arkadiusz Milik out with a knee injury since June 2024.

Zirkzee's potential move to the Italian club would also allow a reunion with Juventus' head coach Thiago Motta. The Dutch forward developed under the 42-year-old manager during their two-year tenure at Bologna from 2022 to 2024.

A few days back, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli hinted at being open to making a move for Zirkzee and told Radio Serie A (via La Gazzetta dello Sport):

"Zirkzee? We are attentive to the occasions."

Giuntoli recently addressed the club's interest in a loan transfer for Zirkzee. He said (La Gazzetta dello Sport):

"I honestly did not talk to Manchester United, which has situations to solve. I don't know what's next. Juventus must stay at the window given the injury of Milik and the defenders."

"A new opening, which could have a following in the coming days, because the Dutch striker is the great dream of Thiago Motta, who after launching it at Bologna would also like him in Turin. It will not be an easy operation, but the premises are there to complete it. It will help from Manchester United, which should open to the loan, the only formula that Juventus is willing to accept," he added.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee and Juventus are on the same page about the potential transfer. The Dutchman is interested in an exit from the Premier League. He is reportedly keen on returning to Italy after struggling to find a regular spot in Manchester United's starting line-up.

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Ruben Amorim on Joshua Zirkzee's substitution in Manchester United's 2-0 loss against Newcastle in PL

Ruben Amorim opened up about Joshua Zirkzee's first-half substitution in Manchester United's 0-2 loss against Newcastle United in the Premier League on December 30. In the post-match press conference, the Portuguese manager explained his decision as one required for the team at that moment.

Amorin said (via GOAL):

"I talked with Josh about that, because it's important to express the message, but I'm always thinking about the team, and, in that moment, it was important for the team for Josh to go out."

Amorim was also sympathetic to Zirkzee's situation and added:

"You have to think about the team and also, sometimes about the player, because the player is suffering. I was there a few years ago and I know that he wants [it], because I saw it during the week, and that's the most important thing. He's a really good lad, so you'll have the support and you will prepare the next game."

Joshua Zirkzee has netted four goals and provided two assists in 27 appearances across competitions for Manchester United. It remains to be seen if the Dutch forward has a better game in the Red Devils next Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on January 5.