Joshua Zirkzee has a strong mindset about the year ahead despite playing a limited role for Manchester United so far this season.
Manchester United have just one recognised centre-forward after signing Benjamin Sesko in the summer.
The Slovenia international is a starter under Ruben Amorim, who has been without his main striker for the past month due to injury. It is understood that Sesko is set to return and could be in the squad when the Red Devils host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Monday night.
In Sesko’s absence, Amorim has had to call upon Joshua Zirkzee, who had been waiting for his first Premier League start of the season. It had previously been reported that Zirkzee was impressing in training and, therefore, deserved his run in the team.
The Netherlands international has since started three games, including United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, in which he scored the important equaliser from a tight angle.
However, before Zirkzee’s brief return to the starting line-up, the 24-year-old was being linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January.
There are now more reasons for Zirkzee to stay at United, even though his game time will remain limited due to Sesko’s return and Mason Mount’s versatility.
Joshua Zirkzee holding the ball up against Wolves
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Joshua Zirkzee wants to stay at Manchester United
There was a time – before Sesko’s injury – when it looked like Zirkzee wasn’t part of Amorim’s plans.
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Well, Zirkzee would’ve been forgiven for thinking that way anyway.
It sounds like there has been a switch in Zirkzee’s mindset amid claims from Sky Sports that he wants to stay and fight for his place at United.
This will be music to Amorim’s ears because United are in the process of losing key players, like Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, to the Africa Cup of Nations. The club are not going to allow any attacking players to leave in January unless they receive an offer that is too good to turn down.
Zirkzee has interest from Roma, but they will need to make a strong offer to tempt United at a time when the team is lacking options in attack. It could be argued that the Red Devils are two strikers shy of having a fully equipped attack force.
It is understood that Roma would prefer to sign Zirkzee initially on loan, with a right to buy if they qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester United must KEEP Joshua Zirkzee in January
Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
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United will be aware of the interest but it’s unlikely to change their thinking on keeping Zirkzee, knowing that their stance could change at the end of the season.
Some might say that losing Zirkzee midway through the season would be no great loss to United, but that opinion would quickly change if there happened to be a surge of injuries during the festive period.
How long is left on Joshua Zirkzee’s contract?
Zirkzee is under contract at United until the summer of 2029, with the option of another 12 months.
The former Bayern Munich ace has played a total of 345 minutes, scoring once, but he has enough fire in his belly to fight for his place.
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Even if it’s a substitute role, Zirkzee could still prove to be an asset for United this season.
It remains to be seen if he will return to the starting line-up against Bournemouth.
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