Ruben Amorim performs dramatic transfer U-turn on Joshua Zirkzee ahead of summer window | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly decided to keep Joshua Zirkzee and sell Rasmus Hojlund instead, ahead of the summer transfer window.

United are bracing for a busy window, especially in the attacking department, with goals proving very hard to regularly come by this season.

The Red Devils are eyeing a new striker, as well as a potential addition to fill one of the two No. 10 positions. It has been claimed that United need to sell and there were suggestions that Zirkzee could be offloaded to make way for a new arrival.

Zirkzee joined United in July 2024 from Italy in a deal worth around £36.5m. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal. The former Bologna man got off to the perfect start to life at Old Trafford, scoring a late winner on his debut against Fulham.

However, he was unable to build on it and his performances nosedived, the lowest point of which saw him substituted after just 33 minutes in a defeat to Newcastle back in December. On that occasion, Zirkzee was almost reduced to tears as a section of United fans jeered him off the pitch.

The Dutchman was the subject of transfer speculation in January but ultimately chose to remain at the club and focus on his development. Since then, his form has improved notably, and he has demonstrated significant potential in an attacking midfield role.

There were suggestions that Zirkzee might be offloaded while the underperforming Hojlund would be retained. However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Amorim has had a change of heart and is now keen to keep Zirkzee in his ranks.

“Amorim has made a major U-turn over the futures of Zirkzee and Hojlund at Manchester United, according to GMS sources, with the latter poised to be put on the market when it initially appeared that his fellow striker was more likely to head through the exit door and embark on a fresh challenge.”

“GMS sources have been informed that Zirkzee is in line to remain at Manchester United as there is faith that he will keep improving and Amorim is prepared to keep him in his plans for next season, despite initially being expected to leave in the summer, while Hojlund’s situation has also altered as he is going to be made available for a move.”

The news outlet adds that Amorim has been left impressed with Zirkzee’s focus and resilience after a difficult patch of form.

There is also confidence that the Schiedam-born player’s versatility could prove beneficial as the rest of the squad adapts to Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system.

For the time being, the priority remains Zirkzee’s recovery and return to full fitness after he sustained an injury during Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.

He embarked on a surging run forward but abruptly pulled up, clutching his hamstring. He was subsequently withdrawn.

Amorim later revealed that Zirkzee will be out for some games.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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