Ruben Amorim could consider selling 23-year-old Manchester United star in January transfer window: Reports
Italian news outlet Calciomercato report (via Caught Offside) that Manchester United's new hed coach Ruben Amorim could look to offload Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old Dutch striker was signed by the Red Devils from Bologna for a reported fee of £36.5 million this summer.
He has so far failed to justify his signing, registering one goal and two assists in 17 appearances, spanning across 699 minutes, for the club. The young Dutch striker was never deemed as prolific goalscorer as was evidenced by his stats at his previous clubs - four goals in 17 games for Bayern Munich, 18 goals in 47 matches for RSC Anderlecht and 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna.
However, the general assumption was that the player would help link up the rest of the attack, allowing United's attacking wingers like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo to get in on the scoring. That has so far failed to happen with Zirkzee registering just two assists at Manchester United.
It is now being reported that new boss Amorim will look to put the player up for sale in January. Amorim, known for using a 3-4-3 formation, liked his strikers to work as a more authentic number nine rather than link up play by dropping deeper into the pitch when he was in charge at Sporting CP.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy leaves Manchester United
Club legend Ruud Van Nistelroory has left Manchester United, as was confirmed by the club on November 12. United released a statement that read (via Sky Sports):
"Ruud is and always will be a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."
Brought in as Erik ten Hag's assistant coach earlier in the summer, Nistelrooy took over as interim head coach for four games at the club. He beat Leicester City 5-2 in the EFL Cup, drew 1-1 against Chelsea at Old Trafford, won 2-0 against PAOK (Europa League) and signed off with another 3-0 win against the Foxes in the Premier League.
With Ruben Amorim taking over as new boss, it has been confirmed that the former Dutch striker will not be a part of Amorim's coaching staff at Old Trafford. Sky Sports further reported that assistant manager Rene Hake, goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar and analyst Pieter Morel have also parted ways with the Red Devils following the arrival of the Portuguese tactician.