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Tom OlverPublished Oct 26, 2024, 11:54am|Updated Oct 26, 2024, 11:55am
Joshua Zirkzee is determined to fight for his place after a tough start to life at Manchester United and has no interest in departing Old Trafford this January.
The 23-year-old forward enjoyed a dream Premier League debut on the back of a £36.5million move from Bologna, coming on a substitute to score a late winner in United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham back in August.
But Zirkzee has struggled to kick on from his early-season heroics and has failed to find the net in any his 11 appearances that have followed.
There has even been some speculation that the out-of-form Netherlands international could leave the Theatre of Dreams, either on a temporary or permanent deal, when the January transfer window opens for business.
However, according to Sky Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg, this is ‘fake news’ and Zirkzee has no intention of leaving the Red Devils this winter amid rumours of a proposed switch to Serie A giants Juventus.
It is claimed the Dutchman believes in his abilities and remains confident that he will recover from his concerning dip to establish himself as Erik ten Hag’s main man up front in the north west.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano echoed Plettenberg’s comments while reacting to the recent rumours surrounding Zirkzee’s future on his official YouTube channel on Friday.
‘One of the questions of the recent days; many of you [have been] sending me some stories from Italy about Joshua Zirkzee maybe already thinking of leaving Manchester United in a potential shock story in the January transfer window,’ Romano said.
‘There have been links with Juventus, links with more clubs in Italy. Joshua Zirkzee was very happy in Italy. That is clear. Joshua Zirkzee was fantastic.
‘But Joshua Zirkzee strongly wanted to go to Manchester United. Joshua Zirkzee decided to go to Manchester United three months ago.
‘So to think that Joshua Zirkzee after three months is already planning to leave the club and try something different, this is something that Zirkzee is not doing.’
Zirkzee’s current contract, which he signed upon arrival in the summer, runs through to 2029.
The ex-Bologna man has not featured in Ten Hag’s starting XI since the side’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham and will be no doubt be chomping at the bit to play from the off tomorrow when United travel to West Ham.
On Thursday, Zirkzee played just 55 minutes before being replaced by Rasmus Hojlund as United surrendered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 away to Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
‘Rasmus Hojlund is returning from a big injury and we have to build up his fitness,’ United head coach Ten Hag explained ahead of the match.
‘He’s not up to 100 per cent speed but he will come. We want to avoid him getting injured again, so we spare him today, and Sunday is another big game.’
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