Manchester United‘s hard-fought 2-2 draw against Liverpool has seemingly exacerbated the already strained relationship between manager Rúben Amorim and striker Joshua Zirkzee. Despite a clear improvement in team performance, reports suggest that Amorim is now keen to offload Zirkzee, potentially triggering a transfer to Serie A.
According to Sport Bible, United’s 2-2 draw at Anfield ended a four-game losing streak, marking a significant step forward under Amorim. Lisandro Martínez’s stunning opener was countered by Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s goal, the latter from the penalty spot. However, Amad Diallo’s late goal salvaged a point for the visitors. Harry Maguire’s late miss, however, overshadowed what was a positive result for United.
Despite the improved team performance, reports from Corriere dello Sport indicate a significant rift between Amorim and Zirkzee. The report claims that Amorim is eager to sell the 23-year-old striker due to a complete breakdown in their relationship. This highlights a significant problem for the management team, highlighting potential internal conflict which could be influencing decisions regarding team strategy and player development.
Juventus has expressed interest in signing Zirkzee, but a deal faces obstacles. Juventus reportedly prefers a loan move, whereas Amorim and Manchester United seek a permanent transfer to remove Zirkzee from their books entirely. This difference in approach represents a significant hurdle and will require substantial negotiation to achieve an outcome that benefits both clubs.
Zirkzee has outperformed fellow striker Rasmus Højlund in terms of goals per minute played. However, Amorim seemingly favors the Danish forward, potentially due to tactical preferences or other, possibly unseen, factors. This suggests that purely statistical comparisons may not accurately reflect a manager’s decision-making process, as other crucial elements may influence player selection.
Zirkzee’s recent substitution against Newcastle, greeted by boos and jeers from United fans, left him visibly upset. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville expressed sympathy for the striker’s situation, stating, “I actually feel sorry for Joshua Zirkzee. I know he’s earning a lot of money, but there’s a human being in there that’s basically been cheered off by his own fans. That is brutal. I’ve not seen that too many times in the 43 years I’ve been coming here.” Neville’s comments highlight the potential psychological consequences of facing intense public criticism, even for high-profile athletes.
Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United remains highly uncertain. Whether he secures a move to Juventus or another club, or remains at Old Trafford, the situation underscores the pressures and challenges faced by young players in high-pressure environments.
