Manchester United summer signing Joshua Zirkzee open to January exit; Juventus interested

The Dutchman has scored only one goal so far.

According to a rumour, Joshua Zirkzee intends to depart Manchester United and rejoin Thiago Motta, the manager of Juventus.

After watching the highly regarded Zirkzee score 12 goals and dish out seven assists under Motta at Bologna the previous season, United paid £36.5 million to recruit him in the summer. But they haven’t seen a similar performance from the Dutchman this year.

Zirkzee has only scored once in 18 appearances in all competitions. New head coach Ruben Amorim even criticized him for his late substitution in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Zirkzee is hankering over a return to Italy and, more especially, a reunion with Motta as a result of his terrible start to life in England.

According to reports, Zirkzee is desperate for Juventus to take action and show their interest in a January transfer since he fears his circumstances won’t get better under Amorim.

Cristiano Giuntoli, the director of Juventus, is eager to sign Zirkzee but will only pursue an initial loan agreement, which United have not yet expressed a desire to negotiate.

In an attempt to raise money for a January transfer splurge, Giuntoli was rumoured to have discussed finding buyers for Douglas Luiz and Nicolo Fagioli with United and Manchester City officials. Meanwhile, Motta declined to comment on Juventus’ winter market plans during a recent press conference.

With Marcus Rashford, Zirkzee, and Rasmus Hojlund netting a total of just four goals this season, Manchester Utd have suffered mightily in scoring goals in the Premier League.

After joining from Serie A team Bologna during the summer transfer window, Zirkzee in particular has come under heavy fire.

Only Southampton, Crystal Palace, and Everton have scored fewer goals than Manchester United this season going into the Everton game. There have also been rumours that Zirkzee would leave in January if it allows them to get a new player.

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