Man United make Joshua Zirkzee transfer stance clear after full-blown crisis

Manchester United have reportedly drawn a firm line in the sand over one of their most debated winter transfer situations.

Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily tipped to leave Man United next month after failing to break into the XI under manager Ruben Amorim.

AS Roma have identified Zirkzee as their top target and are open to signing him in January on loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

According to Manchester Evening News, United are unlikely to sanction a January departure for Joshua Zirkzee until their injury crisis has eased or key players have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.

United’s squad have been stretched thin with injuries to Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

The situation has been further compounded by the AFCON absences of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, piling even more pressure on Amorim.

Those concerns were laid bare by the makeup of United’s bench against Aston Villa.

Amorim was forced to name two goalkeepers alongside four academy players who had never featured at senior level.

Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey were handed their debuts out of necessity.

Zirkzee himself has started just three matches all season, although he did feature for the final 20 minutes at Villa Park.

The numbers paint a grim picture, with the striker managing just one goal this campaign after scoring only three in the league last term.

Such a return would be alarming for any forward, let alone one leading the line for a club of United’s stature.

Zirkzee may not be at Old Trafford next season but circumstances may force United to retain him until at least June.

Only a deal featuring a straightforward obligation to buy and a substantial fee is likely to convince United to part with their £36.5 million investment.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .