Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has now come to the realisation that his time at Carrington has reached its expiry date.
The 25-year-old’s future has been a topic of never-ending discussion since the start of the summer, while the first match of the season only confirmed the player’s low status in the squad.
Even with Benjamin Sesko unfit to start, the Dutchman was kept on the bench against Hull City, with Matheus Cunha leading the line. In the second half, Michael Carrick was desperate for goals to avoid an embarrassing opening-day defeat, but preferred to introduce Shea Lacey, among others, instead of Zirkzee.
Fiorentina enquire about Joshua Zirkzee who is set to leave Man United
While the writing is on the wall for Zirkzee, it remains to be seen what the final days of the summer will yield on this front.
In his latest appearance on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian YouTube channel, Matteo Moretto revealed that the versatile attacker has now understood Carrick’s message, and that he’s no longer part of the plans.
Zirkzee has been heavily linked with Juventus, along with other Serie A clubs like Napoli and Como. But according to Moretto, Fiorentina have now entered the fray.
Former Tottenham official Fabio Paratici (who currently acts as Fiorentina’s sporting director) reportedly called Man Utd to enquire about Zirkzee’s availability.
At this stage, it is difficult to see the Tuscans pull off the move, but if they were to sell Moise Kean to Como, they would have the necessary funds to sign the Man Utd outcast.
Man Utd’s attacking plans
Despite his unique skill set, Zirkzee has been undergoing an ordeal at United. He was one of the first few players to join the club under INEOS’ leadership, but Erik ten Hag, who wanted him at MUFC, was sacked only a few months following his arrival, and he hasn’t been able to convince either Ruben Amorim or Carrick.
| Zirkzee’s Man Utd Stats per Coach | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Erik ten Hag | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Ruben Amorim | 46 | 8 | 2 |
| Darren Fletcher | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Michael Carrick | 10 | 0 | 0 |
However, the challenge for Man Utd is to replace the Netherlands international with another forward before Tuesday’s transfer deadline; otherwise, they will have to negotiate a saturated schedule with limited attacking options, despite Marcus Rashford’s return.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been mentioned as a solution, but Crystal Palace could oppose a last-minute sale.
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