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Manchester United made it three wins on the bounce yesterday, beating Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2 at Old Trafford.
Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were on the scoresheet, and Benjamin Sesko got an assist, an indication that Ruben Amorim’s new frontline is starting to click.
This is good news for United, but only deepens Joshua Zirkzee’s problems.
Zirkzee unhappy at United
The Dutchman came off the bench against Brighton, but only when the win already looked secure. His spell on the pitch brought his Premier League playing time this season up to a measly 82 minutes – far from satisfactory for a player keen to feature for his nation at the World Cup.
It has long been reported that Zirkzee is looking to leave Old Trafford in search of more regular football, although Fabrizio Romano explained that the player is not creating any problems at United and is a popular figure in the dressing room.
Numerous clubs have been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, including Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Everton and a host of clubs across Europe.
Roma storm into the race
TBR Football report today that Roma are now “pushing hard” for Zirkzee, and are looking to make room for him by sending on-loan Brighton striker Evan Ferguson back to England.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told TBR football that Zirkzee is Roma’s “favoured choice” if they are successful in offloading the Irishman.
United stance changed
The messaging up to now has been clear that United will keep hold of the player despite his lack of gametime, with Amorim understood to be reluctant to let him go.
However, Bailey believes that the Red Devils are now prepared to sanction his loan exit in January. He states confidently that “Zirkzee is set to move”, and that “United are going to sanction it”.
He explains that the club “really like his attitude and commitment” but after the heavy investment over the summer realise that “he is way down the pecking order”. United want him to go the World Cup, and understand that “the only chance is for him to play next year”.
If the club’s stance has really changed, there will be a frenzied rush to sign Zirkzee on loan in January with teams in Spain, France and Germany joining Premier League and Serie A sides in the race.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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