Senior figures at Manchester United have allegedly concluded that Joshua Zirkzee 'is not good enough', with the club having 'serious doubts' when it comes to the Netherlands international.
Zirkzee, 23, arrived at Old Trafford off the back of scoring 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna, including 12 goals in 37 outings in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.
The Dutchman netted on his debut for Man United against Fulham, but he has not registered since, with his overall record for the 20-time English champions standing at one goal in 17 appearances.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United chiefs do not believe that Zirkzee is of the required standard to represent the 20-time English champions, which could lead to his departure next year.
The report claims that the Red Devils will be in the market for a new striker in 2025, and with Rasmus Hojlund likely to stay, Zirkzee is expected to be moved on during next summer's transfer window.
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Man United chiefs 'have serious doubts' over Zirkzee
Zirkzee is unlikely to be viewed by new Man United head coach Ruben Amorim as a potential number 10 in his 3-4-3 system, while the Portuguese does generally like his strikers to stay high, which is the opposite of the Dutchman's game.
The agent of the striker has reportedly been in discussions with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli 'for months', with the Old Lady keen to bring him back to Serie A next year.
Inter Milan are also believed to be keen on Zirkzee, and a recent report claimed that a swap deal involving Lautaro Martinez could be agreed, with the Argentina international a leading target for the Red Devils.
Zirkzee was not involved in the Netherlands' UEFA Nations League clash with Hungary on November 16, but he did start the clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina three days later, playing 77 minutes of the 1-1 draw.
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Van Nistelrooy opened up goalscoring issues at Man United earlier this month
During the latter stages of his time as interim Man United boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that the Red Devils will need a proven goalscorer if they are to become a force in the Premier League and Champions League again.
"I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and in Europe, and that's what the build is all about, you're going to need a certain amount of goals. That is clear," Van Nistelrooy told reporters.
"That is facts in football. And that's why the best teams in the world have those players. At the moment we have players that get a certain amount of goals or assists but they are obviously in an age where they still have to be developed, and there's the potential that they will be, the belief is there that they can. And that's, at this moment, where we are."
Zirkzee and Hojlund have only scored three times between them in all competitions this season, while Man United have managed just 12 goals in their 11 Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign.
Matt Law
