Ruben Amorim has confirmed he wants Joshua Zirkzee to stay at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window amid looming links to Juventus. Zirkzee's future at Old Trafford has plunged into uncertainty amid a mediocre start since his £36.5million summer switch from Bologna.
Exit rumours intensified after he was brutally booed and jeered off the pitch by his own fans when Amorim withdrew him in the first half of Monday's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United.
Joshua Zirkzee's Man Utd future is uncertain.
The Portuguese head coach further made his feelings about Zirkzee's performance clear by dropping him to the bench for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool.
However, after a surprisingly encouraging display from his side earned a 2-2 draw at Anfield, Amorim made it clear that he has a role for Zirkzee, praising the Dutch striker's effort levels.
That said, the United boss left the door open for a potential exit, which will undoubtedly stir the rumour mill further heading into the second week of the window.
"I want to keep Josh [Zirkzee] because he gives everything," Amorim explained following the full-time whistle.
"He's trying in training, but we don't know; the window is open. We will see what happens."
On snowy Merseyside, Amorim recalled Bruno Fernandes after he served a one-match suspension against Newcastle last time out.
Fernandes' inclusion meant there was no room for Zirkzee, who sat alongside attacking counterparts Alejandro Garnacho and Antony on the visitors' bench.
The 23-year-old offered a thankful wave as supportive travelling fans serenaded him to a chant in the tune of 'Seven Nation Army' while he warmed up in the first half.
That tune returned when Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the 86th minute, and he had a chance to conjure an unthinkable moment when he looked through on goal at the death.
However, the Netherlands international's lack of confidence showed as he instead bobbled a pass to Harry Maguire, who agonisingly blazed over before Michael Oliver blew the final whistle.
Zirkzee has been strongly linked with a Serie A return before the January deadline, with his former manager, Thiago Motta, reportedly keen to reunite at Juventus.
Some Italian outlets even claim the United No. 11 has agreed to make the switch to Turin if the two clubs can reach an agreement in the coming weeks.
But, at least publicly, Amorim holds hope that Zirkzee will improve before the end of his first season in England.
And the sound of a loud away end at Anfield suggests he retains the support of the United supporters despite the grim scenes earlier in the week.
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Marcus Rashford is targeting a club playing in the Champions League for his next move, a source has told ESPN.The forward, on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, is set to delay a decision on his future until after the end of the season.Villa have an agreement with United to make his loan move permanent for a £40 million ($53m) fee, although a source has told ESPN that they are yet to...
Oliver Glasner conceded that Crystal Palace were at least mathematically more likely to secure their first major silverware after they booked their place in the FA Cup final with a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Wembley.Ismaila Sarr recorded a second-half brace after Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the 31st minute, though the winning margin could have been even greater had Jean-Philippe Mateta...
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson commended his side for making history after they completed a hat-trick of promotions to seal a place in the second tier.Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat of Charlton means the hosts have now sealed their third promotion in as many seasons.The Red Dragons started brighter and had a two-goal lead inside the opening 18 minutes.Ollie Rathbone found the back of the net first ...
Hearts have parted company with head coach Neil Critchley following Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Dundee.Critchley had been in the job for six months, succeeding Steven Naismith in October.His and assistant Mike Garrity’s departure comes with the Jambos having claimed only one point from their last four William Hill Premiership matches as well as losing out in the semi-final of the Scott...
Southend moved into the National League play-off places with a 3-0 home win over a Wealdstone outfit now lying in the relegation zone.Ben Goodliffe headed the Shrimpers in front in the eighth minute, connecting with Gus Scott-Morriss’ cross, and Charley Kendall doubled the advantage with a strike just past the hour mark.Goodliffe almost scored again in the 83rd minute as he saw another heade...
Ismaila Sarr scored two second-half goals as Crystal Palace booked their place in the FA Cup final for a third time following a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.Eberechi Eze opened the scoring with a lovely finish in the 31st minute – assisted by Sarr – but a missed penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta after the restart added extra drama in the second half.Ollie Watkins started for...
Sam Smith inspired Wrexham to a 3-0 win over Charlton as they confirmed their third promotion in a row, sealing a place in the Championship in front of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.The hosts took an early lead through Ollie Rathbone, who struck first time from the edge of the box in the 16th minute and found the bottom corner.The Welsh side doubled their advantage two minutes ...
Ian Holloway hopes Swindon and Gillingham can put their bad blood behind them after their feisty 1-1 draw.There is an old storied rivalry between the two clubs and there were handbags late on, which resulted in Joe Gbode’s late sending off.Gbode put the hosts in front before Will Wright levelled with a brilliant free-kick six minutes later.Gillingham ended the game with nine men after Gbode ...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 3 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 4 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 5 Liverpool interested in signing Mason Greenwood
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 8 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid
- 9 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga
- 10 Ancelotti in Brazil job talks