'Powerful' star now wants to leave United in January, agent speaking with UCL giants - report
Manchester United suffered their ninth defeat of the Premier League season following a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The Red Devils were outclassed by the Magpies in the opening 30 minutes. Alexander Isak and Joelinton both scored with towering headers in the box.
United had more control over proceedings after Kobbie Mainoo replaced Joshua Zirkzee in the 33rd minute, but they could not avoid another defeat.
Some fans jeered Zirkzee’s early and surprise substitution, and Gazzetta dello Sport report that he now wants to leave the Premier League this winter.
The player’s agent Kia Joorabchian has already been in contact with Juventus.
Manager Thiago Motta considers Zirkzee as the perfect striker signing as he looks to put the Bianconeri back in contention for a top-four finish in Serie A.
The Turin giants plan to propose a loan deal with a possible option to buy.
Zirkzee’s exit could depend on United signing a replacement
The Dutchman joined the Red Devils after a solid season with Bologna. He contributed 12 goals and seven assists and was named in Serie A’s Team of the Year.
Zirkzee made a perfect start for United with a winning goal against Fulham coming off the bench, but he has netted only three more goals from his next 25 games.
The 23-year-old, described as ‘powerful‘ by Bayern Munich II manager Holger Seitz, appears keen on returning to Italy, but United could be reluctant to let him go this winter.
Rasmus Hojlund has only Zirkzee for competition for places up front with Marcus Rashford likely to leave soon. United can’t afford to lose another striker without a successor.
United are unlikely to entertain any deal for Zirkzee unless a proper replacement is found.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani would be a good loan acquisition. He does not feature in the plans of manager Luis Enrique, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The big question remains whether PSG would entertain a temporary deal without an obligation to buy. United’s tight finances mean they won’t spend big this winter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .