£42m star prepared to leave United in January, pressure is becoming 'unbearable' - report
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is prepared to consider a new challenge away from the club during the January transfer window, according to Calciomercato.
The Netherlands international joined the Red Devils from Bologna with much hype over the summer. He had a perfect debut with a winning goal against Fulham off the bench.
However, he has failed to score in his next 16 appearances for the club and questions have been raised whether the Dutchman can cope with the physicality of English football.
It is now reported that the pressure of expectations is becoming ‘unbearable’ for the summer signing and he is open to a change of scenery when the transfer window reopens.
Juventus have emerged as a realistic destination for the Dutchman. The club are open to signing a quality deputy, who can provide good competition to Dusan Vlahovic up front.
The Bianconeri are likely to propose a loan deal for Zirkzee with an obligation to buy.
United unlikely to part ways with Zirkzee in January
The Bayern Munich graduate has struggled to cope with the higher intensity and physicality of the Premier League, but we don’t see United offloading him this winter.
New manager Ruben Amorim may want to assess the performances of the 23-year-old and could prefer to keep him until the end of the campaign before making his judgement.
The £42 million-rated star has been prone to missing big scoring chances, but he could get another opportunity to prove his credentials under Amorim and his coaching staff.
The Portuguese is expected to operate with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Zirkzee could get the nod to lead the line. He could also play as an inverted forward due to his pace and quick movement in the final third.
If Zirkzee does not improve his scoring rate, he could be shown the exit door in the summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com