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3 weeks ago
41 Following a tumultuous start to the campaign, Joshua Zirkzee found himself linked with a move away from Manchester United after a matter of months.
It’s not often a player is so heavily tipped for a transfer in their opening season, yet Zirkzee’s lacklustre showings prompted speculation that he’d be better off reigniting his form elsewhere before potentially returning to Old Trafford.
As well as that, Juventus were reportedly interested in bringing the Dutchman back to Serie A, with new manager Thiago Motta seemingly keen on reuniting with his former protegee.
Zirkzee made 57 appearances under Motta in two seasons at Bologna. He returned 14 goals and nine assists in that time, eventually establishing himself as an integral starter.
Zirkzee can thrive in Ruben Amorim’s system
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)The Bayern Munich graduate, who was recently hailed as ‘amazing’ by ex-teammate Robert Lewandowski, put an end to his unwanted goal drought with a brace against Everton over the weekend. He oversaw a stellar display in a real five-star all-round performance from United and now sits on three goals for the campaign with hopes of adding more imminently.
Ruben Amorim’s rotation thus far has proven a great success in keeping his squad fresh and hungry to make their mark, so even if Zirkzee doesn’t retain his starting spot at the Emirates tomorrow, fans can expect he’ll return to the fold in the subsequent matches.
With a great deal of the pressure now off his shoulders, the 23-year-old can work on improving his game without being under the spotlight.
Alas, Motta was quizzed directly on the Old Lady’s reported interest in Zirkzee in a recent press conference, to which he expectedly remained tight-lipped on the matter.
“The market will open in January, and we are in total harmony with the club. I am very happy with the players I have. I hope that the injured players can return soon to be able to help the rest of the team,” Motta said, via Manchester World.
