Joshua Zirkzee's promising start at Manchester United has given way to missed chances and dwindling game time. As Juventus eyes a potential move, the Dutch forward faces a pivotal moment to prove his worth.
Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impression during his Manchester United debut in August, scoring the sole goal in a 1-0 win against Fulham. The 23-year-old Dutch striker, who was acquired for a significant fee of £36.5 million (€43.7m/$45.8m), appeared ready to fulfill the expectations of being a crucial attacking asset. However, his journey since then has been marked by missed chances and increasing doubt. Following that encouraging beginning, Zirkzee has found it difficult to maintain his initial momentum and, more concerningly, has seen his starting positions decline since the end of September.
As time has passed, speculation surrounding his future has grown. Recently, reports from Corriere dello Sport indicated that Juventus, a club recognized for its strategic, long-term acquisitions, are closely monitoring the forward. His agent, Kia Joorabchian, is reportedly engaged in discussions with Juventus’ sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli regarding a possible transfer to Turin, where the Serie A powerhouse is looking to enhance its attacking capabilities.
The situation for Manchester United is becoming more uncertain. Their £36.5 million investment in Zirkzee has not yet delivered the expected returns. With only one goal and two assists in his initial months, Zirkzee's impact falls short of what the club anticipated from a player signed to provide a lively attacking presence. Although Zirkzee has displayed glimpses of his ability, the level of consistency needed at a club of United’s caliber has been noticeably lacking.
The inability to fully exploit Zirkzee's potential cannot be attributed solely to the previous manager, Erik ten Hag. Although ten Hag was instrumental in advocating for Zirkzee's signing, his exit following a shaky start to the season left the Dutch forward to adjust to a change in tactical strategy under the new manager, Ruben Amorim. While it's too soon to form conclusive opinions about Amorim's managerial approach, the pressing question remains: can he help Zirkzee realize his full potential?
The upcoming matches for United could provide the 23-year-old with an opportunity to make a comeback. The Europa League match on Thursday against Bodo/Glimt is a chance for the forward to display his talents on a European platform, while the Premier League encounter against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday is equally important for him to prove his value. Nevertheless, Zirkzee is running out of time to show why United should keep investing in him as an essential part of their attacking lineup.
The upcoming weeks are crucial for Zirkzee. As the winter transfer window approaches, the pressure on his performances is set to intensify, especially with Juventus rumored to be showing interest, suggesting a potential move to Italy might be imminent. If he fails to capitalize on this opportunity, the Dutch forward risks falling further down the hierarchy at Old Trafford, as Manchester United's management questions whether they’ve made a £36.5 million investment that has not yielded the expected results.
