Frozen out of Michael Carrick’s plans at Manchester United, the Dutch striker is urged to revive his career by securing a loan move back to Serie A.
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Joshua Zirkzee could leave Manchester United this summer as it looks as though he is not part of Michael Carrick's plans. The Dutchman was signed from Bologna two years ago during INEOS's first summer transfer window but has failed to ignite his United career since.
Erik Ten Hag was the manager at the time of Zirkzee's arrival but the club has since had two managerial changes as well as interim stints. However, under all three permanent managers, Zirkzee has struggled to nail down a place in the starting eleven and could now seek more playing time elsewhere.
Under Carrick, Zirkzee has been out of favour completely. Depsite an injury to Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha have both been preferred in the striker role. During preseason, Mbuemo has usually led the line, with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu both occupying the wide areas.
This is concerning for Zirkzee, who has found himself out of the Netherlands squad in recent months, and it looks like a move is likely to happen. There have been murmurs of interest from Italy, with Roma and Juventus being strongly linked with the former Bolgona striker. However, it looks as though a sale will not be possible this summer for United and a loan move, most likely back to Serie A, is expected.
Former Coach encourages Juventus transfer
Speaking to TuttoJuve, Zirkzee's former youth coach Ferry Verbeek suggested a move to Turin would be best for the forward to get his career back on track.
“I’d almost say it’s bound to happen! He’s at the peak of his maturity; Juventus would be a better fit for him than Manchester United!
“If he can’t do it at his next club, reaching the top will become increasingly difficult. And that would be a shame, because he has the ideal foundation to become a top-level footballer.”
Despite some concerns over whether Zirkzee would fit Luciano Spalletti's system at Juventus, Verbeek was confident that the move would work.
“Yes, but Joshua can play in any attacking position. He could even play as an attacking midfielder if he wanted to, because he can protect the ball and has the right eye for providing excellent assists.”
Verbeek also acknowledged the difficulties Zirkzee has faced since he moved to Manchester, like managerial and system changes.
“So many factors come into play that it’s difficult to say, but the coach plays a key role: confidence and playing time can really give you wings. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here.”
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An unfortunate ending to his United story
When people look back on Zirkzee's Manchester United career, some might say he was a flop, but others will recognise how it just wasn't the right fit. The quality is obvious to see, and by all accounts, Zirkzee is very popular in the dressing room and loves the club.
However, he has struggled to replicate his form in Italy since his move to England, with the Premier League's highly physical demands. His debut was perfect as he came off the bench to score a late winner against Fulham in front of the Stretford End. But consistency never really came and he has always been on the outskirts of the starting line-up.
We have seen Zirkzee at his best in Italy, though he is not a true number nine. His versatility and quality on the ball is valuable to any team. With a slightly slower tempo and more tactical focus, Serie A feels right. Roma looked to be close to completing the deal but now it looks like Juventus have entered the race.
His career at United has been inconsistent and difficult to adapt to. He has been a victim of the way the club has been managed by this ownership, something that has tripped up many players at United. Now, with a move on the cards, his United career looks to be coming to an end and hopefully he can recapture his form elsewhere.