The Man Utd forward could leave the club during the January transfer window and Ruben Amorim has explained why.
Joshua Zirkzee is increasingly unhappy with his lack of playing time at Manchester United and could even ask to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim dismissed the recent reports linking him with an exit as ‘agent talk’ just last week and insists he wants every player to have a ‘good season.’ The fact Zirkzee has played the third-fewest minutes of any United player this season would suggest his only chance of a good season would be to play elsewhere.
United are adamant Zirkzee will still get playing time over the course of the campaign, but due to their lack of European football and early exit from the Carabao Cup, it seems the only way that will happen will be due to injury or suspension. The 24-year-old is still the most natural replacement for Benjamin Sesko as a striker, though the weekend win over Liverpool proved that Amorim might prefer to use a fluid front three to replace him anyway.
What Amorim said about Zirkzee as a striker
The biggest issue for Joshua Zirkzee is that, although he might be the obvious choice to replace Benjamin Sesko in attack, Ruben Amorim does not view him as a striker and believes he lacks the physical traits required to lead the line for Manchester United.
It means that even if Sesko was injured or suspended, Amorim might be more likely to utilise the same fluid forward line that was deployed against Liverpool last weekend. In that case, Zirkzee is not in competition with Sesko for a starting role, but with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
Speaking after the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in February, Amorim explained why he preferred to use Zirkzee as an attacking midfielder.
“I think Josh is not a clear [number] nine, he played more as a 10 [attacking midfielder],” the Portuguese head coach said. “He’s stronger physically, he’s thinner, he’s working really hard, and he plays in a better position for him. He’s improving, he’s winning more duels and he’s even faster, you feel that in the game, and that helps to make the decision.
Zirkzee names his best position
Ruben Amorim’s comments didn’t come as much of a surprise to Joshua Zirkzee, who would not even label himself as a natural striker option for Manchester United.
Speaking after he signed for the club last year, the Dutchman said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team.
“I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game. Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”
Zirkzee is clearly an extremely talented footballer who could flourish elsewhere, but it seems like he is just not the right fit for the tactical approach under Ruben Amorim.
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