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Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee over the summer - but the Dutchman has struggled to adapt to the Premier League
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Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee has asked to leave the club, after only signing in the summer. Zirkzee joined the Red Devils on a five-year contract from Bologna in July of this year. Manchester United paid £36. 5 million for the forward, as per Sky Sports, as part of Erik ten Hag's Dutch revolution. But having scored just once in the Premier League all season long, Zirkzee has struggled in a red shirt. Zirkzee enjoyed a superb season under Thiago Motta in Serie A last season. He was then included in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, with Motta comparing the frontman to the legendary Ronaldinho. Italian outlet Calciomercato first linked the 23-year-old with a quick return to Italy last month, however, with Zirkzee having blanked since opening night of the Premier League season. Now, the former Bayern Munich man himself has reportedly asked to leave. Another Italian source, La Stampa, relayed Calciomercato has reaffirmed the player's possible exit, claiming that Juventus could well offer him a reunion with Motta. Dusan Vlahovic and Arkadiusz Milik are both currently out injured, with the current Old Lady head coach Motta apparently keen on a new striker. Zirkzee could well be brought in on loan. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “The former Bologna player is unhappy and is therefore seriously considering leaving in the winter transfer window, ” the report claims. “He has instructed his agents to find him another place and to try to test the waters with Juve. ” In Four Four Two's opinion, however, it is incredibly premature to link Zirkzee with a move away. The Italian media have consistently linked both Zirkzee and Liverpool star Federico Chiesa with moves back to Serie A ever since the league lost the pair. It could be construed as wishful thinking – as both players are still extremely new to their sides and it would be doubtful to see either club let their players leave during a season in which Premier League injuries are mounting. Zirkzee is worth €50m according to Transfermarkt. United take on Ipswich Town this weekend when Premier League action returns. Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at Four Four Two. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer. Manchester United eyeing up summer move for 'the next Bukayo Saka': report Ex Manchester United star reveals how 'fed up' he was with football: 'Finding pleasure was a big factor: now I am home around noon and can pick up the children from school every day' Is Everton star Dwight Mc Neil injured this weekend? Premier League injury update Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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