“He’s no longer part of my plans, he can leave for Italy in January.” – Ruben Amorim has reportedly decided that an “elite” Manchester United player is no longer part of his plans. This development signals a shift in the player’s future, as Amorim looks to restructure his squad, leaving the player’s position uncertain moving forward.

Joshua Zirkzee may already face a significant challenge to secure his place at Manchester United, as reports indicate that new manager Ruben Amorim has excluded the Dutch forward from his long-term plans even before his official debut under the Portuguese coach.

Zirkzee was the first signing of INEOS during their tenure as minority owners, arriving from Bologna for £36.5 million at the request of Erik ten Hag. The forward was seen as a major prospect, earning praise as “elite” and making his Netherlands debut at EURO 2024, where he played in the quarter-finals and helped his team reach the semi-finals. However, his limited impact at Old Trafford has reportedly led Amorim to deem him surplus to requirements.

Zirkzee’s Premier League Struggles
Since joining Manchester United, Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. He has played 432 minutes, scoring only once and providing one assist, contributing to just 17% of the team’s goals. His average match rating of 6.41 ranks him 17th in the squad, highlighting his difficulty in making a significant impact.

Amorim’s Vision and Squad Restructure
Amorim, known for his strategic acumen and extensive network, is reportedly planning a squad overhaul at United, aiming to streamline the team and eliminate underperforming players. The manager is said to favor a different profile of striker, leaving Zirkzee outside his plans as he begins reshaping the squad to fit his vision.

A Potential Return to Serie A?
Despite his struggles in England, Zirkzee’s strong performances under Thiago Motta at Bologna could pave the way for a reunion at Juventus. The Turin-based club, facing uncertainty over Dusan Vlahovic’s future, may view Zirkzee as a potential replacement if Vlahovic departs at the end of the season.

For now, Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain, as he navigates a pivotal moment in his career following his limited breakthrough at Manchester United.