Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have decided against sanctioning the departure of Joshua Zirkzee in January because of AFCON.
According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Manchester United have made a decision on Joshua Zirkzee’s future. The Red Devils will not let the Dutch international leave the club in the upcoming winter transfer window because a few of his teammates will be leaving for the African Cup of Nations.
Zirkzee’s struggles at Old Trafford
Joshua Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 after making a name for himself at Bologna, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward didn’t have the best of debut campaigns as he was involved in a total of 49 matches but only managed to contribute towards 10 goals.
The Dutchman has not been able to impress Ruben Amorim, who took charge towards the second half of last season. As a result, he has gone down the pecking order at United following the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
The frustrated 24-year-old has only been involved in five matches so far, racking up a total of just 90 minutes. The lack of game time is frustrating Joshua Zirkzee, and the young striker has constantly been linked with a move away from the club.
While Everton and West Ham United have been linked with Zirkzee, it seems Manchester United won’t let him leave mid-season, as Ruben Amorim is not willing to weaken his squad. They remain bullish on keeping him at Old Trafford despite his current situation because of the AFCON.
Joshua Zirkzee won’t leave in January
While speaking about how the AFCON might affect Zirkzee’s future, O’Rourke said, “They’re going to lose Mbeumo and possibly Amad Diallo on international duty when AFCON starts in December so, that could leave them a bit short up front.
“Ruben Amorim doesn’t want to really weaken his squad so Zirkzee might be needed then and he might get more game time for Manchester United while Mbuemo is away at the African Cup of Nations.
“I don’t think United want to weaken their squad midway through the season as well. So they may be blocking any potential moves for Zirkzee unless they’re able to find a replacement or a deal is too good to turn down.”
Manchester United have finally found some form under Ruben Amorim, and they certainly won’t want to weaken their squad mid-season. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are both set to leave for international duties in December, and they might not return until mid-January.
As a result, they are unwilling to weaken their attack by allowing Zirkzee to leave. The club believes the Dutch international will have ample opportunities for game time during that period. They will only consider letting him go in January if they can secure a suitable replacement or receive a significant financial offer.