Joshua Zirkzee ended a 16-match goal drought by scoring twice as Manchester United beat Everton 4-0 in the Premier League on Sunday. The 23-year-striker took his two goals well as part of an eye-catching all-round performance in which his strongest traits were on full display.
Marcus Rashford scored his own brace in the demolition job at Old Trafford, which raised United to ninth, four points off the top four.
However, Zirkzee is unlikely to start Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund was an unused substitute against the Toffees, and Amorim is expected to recall him at the Emirates Stadium.
Hojlund scored a brace of his own in last Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt as United reap the early rewards of Amorim’s attacking style.
But Zirkzee may feel he deserves to retain his starting spot against the Gunners midweek to sustain his new-found momentum.
And even before the Everton clash, reports in Italy claimed the Netherlands international had already told his representatives to find an escape route in the January transfer window.
According to La Stampa, Zirkzee is seriously considering leaving United just a few months after joining in a £36.5million deal from Bologna.
The Red Devils No. 11 is claimed to prefer a Serie A return and more specifically a reunion with former Bologna boss Thiago Motta at Juventus.
Zirkzee’s performance against Everton - netting twice and being heavily involved in build-up play with deft touches and neat passes - could be a turning point.
Even if he can’t continue his scoring streak into the New Year, the chances of Ineos sanctioning a second sudden U-turn after Erik ten Hag’s sacking are minimal.
And Amorim liked what he saw from Zirkzee at the weekend, handing his striker credit while explaining why he started ahead of Hojlund.
"First thing, I need all the players to cope with all the games,” Amorim explained after his side’s rout against Everton.
“I just try to help my players and put them in a good position for their characteristics, and I thought today it would be really hard, even for Rasmus [Hojlund], to fight with the two centre-backs of Everton.
“So we tried to push them to a position where they are not so comfortable. Josh did a great job, scoring two goals is always important for the confidence.
“But, more important than that is the performance, the way he fought in every situation, so it was a good day for him and for our team."