Manchester United regret the decision to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer: David Ornstein | OneFootball

Manchester United’s strikers have let Ruben Amorim down big time with the trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford struggling to find the back of the net consistently.

The Dane still does not look ready to lead the line for a club of United’s size while the Mancunian has already declared his intention to leave his boyhood club.

But the biggest disappointment has been the summer signing with the Dutchman managing only four goals and two assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.

The Netherlands international looks like more of a link-up player than a ruthless finisher, something that Amorim desperately needs right now.

United regret buying Zirkzee

That is not the 23-year-old’s fault as INEOS knew the risks associated with signing someone with his skillset with former manager Erik ten Hag not his biggest fan.

And now, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has claimed United are regretting making the move for the former Bologna ace last summer.

They feel Zirkzee is not suited to the rigours of English football with the former Bayern Munich starlet attracting significant interest from Juventus, who are managed by ex-Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

The striker does not plan to leave, intent on trying to fight for his place but given the club’s PSR situation, he might be sacrificed.

“I think there’s been uncertainty around his immediate future because his transfer so far from Bologna hasn’t really gone to plan. There’s a feeling inside United at the moment that maybe that was a mistake,” Ornstein said.

Zirkzee has struggled

“It is very early days, and this story focuses on him and his intentions. Despite a lot of interest reportedly building from elsewhere, he doesn’t intent to leave at the time of recording, and things can change.”

There have been reports stating that the player and head coach are at loggerheads since his ruthless substitution of Zirkzee during the Newcastle game.

The Netherlands star has been criticised by sections of the media for his poor pass that could have won United the game but his teammates are still backing him to come good.

Whether the young star can handle the pressure remains to be seen. But from United’s perspective, they certainly need an elite goalscorer and Zirkzee getting sacrificed in the process cannot be ruled out.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social