Manchester United suffered their ninth defeat of the Premier League campaign against Newcastle United on Monday night.
The Red Devils were second-best for most of the contest. They had two big scoring chances but were unable to capitalise.
In the same game, manager Ruben Amorim made the surprise decision to take off Joshua Zirkzee after just 33 minutes.
The Portuguese wanted more midfield control and brought Kobbie Mainoo to replace the forward.
Corriere dello Sport (page 1&7) today claim that the idea of Juventus signing Zirkzee was some sort of a fantasy.
The situation has reportedly changed after Monday’s incident.
Amorim’s decision and the cheerful reaction from United supporters may have resulted in a wound that is difficult to heal.
As a result, the Bianconeri ‘dream’ of reuniting the striker with his former manager Thiago Motta.
Motta considers Zirkzee as the perfect fit for his playing style at the Turin giants.
Juventus will propose to sign him on ‘a free loan’ with an option to buy next summer.
The Netherlands ace joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million last summer. He had a perfect start with a late winner off the bench against Fulham in August.
However, he has since netted three goals from his subsequent 25 appearances. His early substitution against the Magpies suggests he may not have a long-term future at United.
Zirkzee, who has been described as a ‘powerful‘ striker by Bayern Munich II manager Holger Seitz, has failed to adapt to the higher intensity and physicality of English football.
United would ideally want to wait until the summer to decide his future, but we won’t be surprised if the club contemplate his exit during the ongoing winter transfer window.
This could depend on a replacement being found. Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani could be an option. United could loan out Zirkzee if they can land Muani in a similar deal.
Amorim reportedly wants to sign Sporting CP Viktor Gyokeres, but a transfer could be difficult to pull off with the Portuguese champions holding out for his £80 million release clause.
United are more likely to pursue a temporary solution if Zirkzee leaves this winter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .
