Forgotten Man Utd star’s stance on shock transfer to Premier League rival emerges

Manchester United are set to field some transfer enquiries in the January window, but Ruben Amorim is not keen on allowing players to depart, even those struggling for pitch time

Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is open to a January transfer after spending most of his time on the bench to start the season. West Ham are said to be preparing a loan offer for the Dutch forward the Red Devils signed ahead of last season.

Zirkzee has made just four appearances under Ruben Amorim this term and has yet to start a game. The Dutch forward has completed just 82 minutes of football this term after being knocked down the pecking order following the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the transfer window.

Despite that, United are reluctant to allow Zirkzee to depart, but that will not immediately deter the Irons, according to The i Paper. The former Bologna ace is exploring his options ahead of the winter window.

The Premier League side are set to face competition from Italy for Zirkzee, with Napoli and Juventus previously linked, and Roma said to be interested. It is claimed that the latter would consider terminating Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton to facilitate a move.

It has also been reported that West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo would prefer a target man to aid his side’s bid to avoid relegation. A figure more akin to Chris Wood than Zirkzee.

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Speaking earlier this season, United boss Amorim explained he understood the frustration of players such as Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo. The Portuguese coach believes transfer noise comes with the territory at Old Trafford.

“I understand that but they are our players and we need everyone to have a good season,” he said. “I also know that in our club everything is a lot of noise.

“Players are not playing. They want to play, and there’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players, talking all the time.”

Amorim has spoken at greater length over Mainoo’s predicament. The midfielder has also struggled for minutes after being denied a loan move in the summer.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week,” Amorim said.

“Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.

“I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

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