Struggling Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee 'falls out' with Ruben Amorim as Serie A return 'draws closer'

The Netherlands international arrived at Old Trafford last summer off the back of scoring 14 goals and registering nine assists in 58 appearances for Bologna in all competitions.

However, the 23-year-old has found it difficult to make his mark this term, managing only four goals and two assists in 27 appearances.

The low-point of his Red Devils career came on Monday night when he was replaced in the first half of the Premier League game against Newcastle United, and his substitution was widely cheered by a number of Man United fans.

Zirkzee headed straight down the tunnel after collecting his training jacket, but he did later return to the bench.

Amorim backed the forward after the unsavoury incident, telling Sky Sports News: "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.

"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. It's some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, that have some tough moments, but that is life in every profession. So we will support Josh and continue because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team. Was not better than Josh, was better than Manchester United."

Zirkzee, Amorim 'have fallen out' amid exit talk

However, according to Corriere dello Sport, Zirkzee has fallen out with his manager since the incident, and it now appears increasingly likely that the striker will leave before the end of the January transfer window.

A permanent exit this winter is thought to be unlikely due to the numbers involved, but a loan deal, potentially with a future purchase agreement, could be settled on depending on the circumstances.

Juventus management director Cristiano Giuntoli has refused to rule out his team moving for Zirkzee this month.

"Zirkzee? It's not appropriate to mention names, but we are keeping an eye on any interesting opportunities, and we will move to strengthen the defence," he told reporters.

Zirkzee is highly-rated in Italian football due to his strong performances for Bologna last season, and it is understood that Napoli are also in the mix for his signature, but Juventus are thought to be firmly at the head of the queue.

Would Man United sign a replacement if Zirkzee leaves?

An exit for Zirkzee would leave Man United very short in the final third of the field, with Rasmus Hojlund the only other recognised striker in the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford has allegedly rejected three offers from the Saudi Pro League to leave Old Trafford, but the forward could also be on his way out of the Red Devils before the end of the January transfer window.

As a result, Man United will seemingly be in the market for at least one attacker this month, and Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani is thought to be an option on loan for the 20-time English champions.

Amorim has allegedly told club chiefs to move for Viktor Gyokeres during the January market, but it is incredibly difficult to imagine the Sporting Lisbon striker arriving this month due to the numbers involved, with Man United needing to move players on before boosting their squad due to the strict financial rules in place.

Written by

Matt Law