He’s no longer part of my plans, he can leave for Italy in January.” – Ruben Amorim has reportedly decided that an “elite” Manchester United player is no longer part of his plans. This development signals a shift in the player’s future, as Amorim looks to restructure his squad, leaving the player’s position uncertain moving forward.

Joshua Zirkzee may already face a significant challenge to secure his place at Manchester United, as reports indicate that new manager Ruben Amorim has excluded the Dutch forward from his long-term plans even before his official debut under the Portuguese coach.

Zirkzee was the first signing of INEOS during their tenure as minority owners, arriving from Bologna for £36.5 million at the request of Erik ten Hag. The forward was seen as a major prospect, earning praise as “elite” and making his Netherlands debut at EURO 2024, where he played in the quarter-finals and helped his team reach the semi-finals. However, his limited impact at Old Trafford has reportedly led Amorim to deem him surplus to requirements.

Zirkzee’s Premier League Struggles
Since joining Manchester United, Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. He has played 432 minutes, scoring only once and providing one assist, contributing to just 17% of the team’s goals. His average match rating of 6.41 ranks him 17th in the squad, highlighting his difficulty in making a significant impact.

Amorim’s Vision and Squad Restructure
Amorim, known for his strategic acumen and extensive network, is reportedly planning a squad overhaul at United, aiming to streamline the team and eliminate underperforming players. The manager is said to favor a different profile of striker, leaving Zirkzee outside his plans as he begins reshaping the squad to fit his vision.

A Potential Return to Serie A?
Despite his struggles in England, Zirkzee’s strong performances under Thiago Motta at Bologna could pave the way for a reunion at Juventus. The Turin-based club, facing uncertainty over Dusan Vlahovic’s future, may view Zirkzee as a potential replacement if Vlahovic departs at the end of the season.

For now, Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain, as he navigates a pivotal moment in his career following his limited breakthrough at Manchester United.

Joshua Zirkzee’s short stint at Manchester United appears to be at a crossroads, with new manager Ruben Amorim reportedly excluding the Dutch forward from his long-term plans. This decision comes amid Zirkzee’s struggles to adapt to the Premier League, where his limited contributions have not met expectations despite his promising talent.

**Performance Challenges at United**
Zirkzee’s Premier League debut has been underwhelming. With just one goal and one assist in 432 minutes, he has contributed to only 17% of the team’s goals. His average match rating of 6.41 places him among the lower-performing players in the squad. These statistics, combined with the high expectations following his €36.5 million transfer from Bologna, have likely influenced Amorim’s decision.

**Amorim’s Squad Restructuring**
Ruben Amorim’s vision for Manchester United includes a significant squad overhaul, focusing on players who align with his tactical approach. Reports suggest that Zirkzee, brought in under Erik ten Hag’s regime, does not fit Amorim’s preferred striker profile. This marks a stark shift in direction under the new management and raises questions about the club’s transfer strategy under INEOS.

**Potential Return to Serie A**
Despite his struggles in England, Zirkzee’s past success at Bologna could attract Serie A interest. Juventus, potentially losing Dusan Vlahovic, might consider Zirkzee as a replacement. The Turin club could provide an opportunity for the Dutch forward to rediscover his form in a league where he previously thrived under Thiago Motta.

**Looking Ahead**
For Zirkzee, this moment could define his career trajectory. While his future at Old Trafford looks uncertain, a move back to Serie A or elsewhere might offer a chance to regain confidence and prove his value. However, his situation highlights the broader challenges of transitioning to the Premier League and the risks associated with big-money transfers for emerging talents.