Manchester United had to settle for a point against rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.Joshua Zirkzee helped United take the lead after 27 minutes, as his deflected s...
Manchester United had to settle for a point against rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Joshua Zirkzee helped United take the lead after 27 minutes, as his deflected shot was misjudged by Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, who saw the ball agonisingly go past him into the goal.
The Dutchman featured as one of the number 10s in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation for the first time this season. Exactly a year to the day in 2024, Zirkzee played in that position for the very first time under the Portuguese Head Coach and he was booed off the pitch 33 minutes into the game.
Again, after a lacklustre first-half performance last night, he was taken off at half-time by Amorim and was replaced by academy graduate Jack Fletcher.
Loan exits are the most likely option
A day away from the January transfer window opening, there are already links with loan moves for both Zirkzee and also Kobbie Mainoo, away from the club.
Everton are interested in the duo and would happily take them on loan, according to The i paper via The Sun.
“Everton could make audacious swoop for Mainoo, 20, and Zirkzee, 24,” the report claims. “they will avoid pricey buys and focus on loans — hoping to repeat the success of Jack Grealish‘s switch from Manchester City.”
It has also been reported that if either player were to move to the Blue half of Merseyside, it would not be on a permanent deal, as they are still seeking out loan deals, as they have done with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
How did we reach this point?
Mainoo has been frustrated with how Amorim has treated him this season, but Amorim has highlighted that captain Bruno Fernandes is currently best suited to his system in that number eight position although Mainoo is the future in the role.
The England man’s only start this season came against League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round, where United lost on penalties.
This has really hit a nerve with the United fanbase, with the traditions of giving academy players chances and respect seemingly lacking under Amorim. Most fans believe Mainoo has earned over his past three seasons with the first team.
It is also understandable that United’s number 37 will want to be on the plane to North America for the World Cup with England this summer, and with no game time at United, the noise keeps getting louder about a possible exit in January.
An important topic to note is that the 20-year-old is still recovering from a calf injury that could see him come back into the fold at some point in early January.
Since joining United from Bologna last summer for £36.5 million, it is fair to say that Zirkzee has not hit the ground running at Old Trafford. Initially brought in by Erik ten Hag as a false 9, it seemed like United had a different weapon from their arsenal off the bench, but with the departure of Ten Hag, it left Zirkzee in a difficult situation.
Amorim has relied on the forward as an in-behind striker; however, the 24-year-old does not suit that skillset, and it has ultimately been the reason why he has scored eight goals in 61 games for United.
As of now, both players will most likely stay with Amorim’s squad, which is very thin due to AFCON and injuries, but United might be ready to start listening if the right offers come through.
Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Category: General Sports
