Zirkzee and Hojlund have both underperformed in the ongoing season for United
Manchester United have had a season to forget. With just 42 goals in 37 Premier League games, the team have shown an alarming lack of attacking strength. It is a clear regression compared to the 57 goals of the previous season. Beyond the numbers, the team suffers as much when attacking as when defending.
The league table makes it clear: United have barely avoided disaster and hover at the bottom of the table in 16th place. The investment in attacking players have not paid off. Neither Rasmus Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for £72 million, nor Joshua Zirkzee, acquired for £36 million, have been up to the task.
Manchester United are ready to sell both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee
Now, according to The Independent and TEAMtalk, the club look set to wipe the slate clean. Both strikers are available on the market, with the board trying to open talks with a number of clubs. The intention is clear: to recoup some of the investment and make room for new reinforcements.
Juventus are reportedly more advanced than anyone else for Hojlund, while Inter Milan are emerging as a possible destination for Zirkzee, who could leave on loan with an option to buy. Fiorentina and Juventus are also keeping a close eye on the Dutchman’s situation, as CaughtOffside pointed out.
From the club’s point of view, selling both of them now would mean taking obvious financial losses. But retaining them with no guarantee of progress would be just as damaging. If they decide to sell, they will have to design the transition well. Bringing in someone like Liam Delap, with potential but no big-stage experience, carries risks.
Amorim is looking for a more accurate striker, and it’s unclear if the Englishman is that player. Betting everything on him without an alternative plan would be unwise. On the other hand, if Hojlund and Zirkzee stay, they must perform from the start. There is no longer any room for long processes or future promises.
Both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have flopped for Manchester United this season.
Both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have flopped for Manchester United this season.
The pressure at Old Trafford is intense, and Amorim cannot afford another campaign without goals or victories. In this context, any decision must be thought of with the short term in mind, but without mortgaging the future. The curious thing is that, despite everything, both Hojlund and Zirkzee have interesting qualities: speed, mobility and physical presence. The problem is not only technical, but psychological as well.
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Both have looked insecure and lacking in confidence. A change of league could help them grow without the weight of the United shirt. But if the club get a healthier environment and a clear system, they could explode right there. Another valid view would be that selling them below their value would be a structural mistake. Big clubs must be patient with young talent. If they leave now and succeed in Italy, the blow would be double: sporting and reputational.
United must think beyond statistics and urgencies. The sporting project needs coherence, and if you believe in Amorim, you have to back it up with firm decisions. But throwing in the towel on two promising young players so soon could be more a reflection of desperation than strategy.