Manchester United outcast Joshua Zirkzee could be close to ending his nightmare spell at Old Trafford with another Premier League team touted to want the Netherlands striker in the forthcoming January transfer window. Zirkzee has barely featured for United this season and he is yet to start or score, managing just 74 minutes across three Premier League appearances and an eight-minute Carabao Cup cameo against lowly Grimsby Town – all as a substitute.
Zirkzee reduced to bit-part role at United
Zirkzee's lack of playing time follows the summer arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, which has pushed him down the pecking order. Frustrated with his peripheral role under Ruben Amorim, the Netherlands star is reportedly seeking a move in the January transfer window to secure regular playing time and boost his chances of a spot in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportZirkzee’s revealing post-match celebrations
After Man Utd's 2-1 recent victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Zirkzee – once again an unused substitute – joyfully joined in with his team-mates, celebrating in front of the travelling fans, and he was also seen putting Bruno Fernandes in a headlock and hugging goalkeeper Senne Lammens, which impressed the club's supporters. But it’s certainly not a clear demonstration that he wants to stay.
Ahead of the match, Amorim was asked about Kobbie Mainoo and Zirkzee’s frustration over their lack of playing time. The United boss said: "That is normal, and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play. Like you said, there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season."
Premier League option for Netherlands star
According to a report by , the Netherlands international is being considered by West Ham, who are crying out for additional firepower as their season lurches from bad to worse. Their recent defeat by Brentford was played out in front of a largely empty London Stadium during the final stages as supporters made for the exits as they showed their displeasure with events in east London.
The report also states that Zirkzee is “desperate” to leave Old Trafford. The Hammers have struggled significantly all season, struggles which have continued since the arrival of new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter last month. The main forwards, Callum Wilson and Niclas Fullkrug, have contributed a combined one Premier League goal this season. Both have struggled for form and fitness, with Wilson having a history of hamstring issues and Fullkrug failing to deliver consistently.
With eight games gone the east London club are already facing the real prospect of a relegation battle this season. West Ham are over-reliant on winger Jarrod Bowen, who is the team's top scorer, but opposition teams have focused on shutting him down, limiting the Hammers' overall scoring threat. They have netted just six goals in eight league matches this season, they’re currently second bottom of the Premier League and the urgent need for a new, reliable goal-scorer to help them survive relegation is a top priority for their Portuguese boss.
GettyTransfer options for Hammers
West Ham face competition for Zirkzee from Italian clubs like Roma, who are considering terminating Evan Ferguson's loan from Brighton due to his poor form to make room for a new forward. However, the Hammers boss may prefer a traditional target man, similar in style to Forest’s Chris Wood or Fulham’s Raul Jimenez. The run of matches leading up to the next international break will give Zirkzee a huge indication of where he sits in Amorim’s plans, with Brighton, Forest and Tottenham ready to face the Red Devils in the coming weeks.