Joshua Zirkzee 'forced to accept' Man Utd transfer decision despite January preference

Fresh developments have surfaced regarding Joshua Zirkzee's prospects at Manchester Unitedas talk intensifies with the January transfer window looming. United brought Zirkzee over from Bologna during the summer of 2024 in a transaction valued at €42.5million (£37.5m).

The Netherlands international arrived at Old Trafford following his acquisition by previous boss Erik ten Hag, though Zirkzee has struggled to secure regular minutes since Ruben Amorim took charge 12 months ago.

Zirkzee has featured in merely five matches for United this season, with four coming in the Premier League, and remains without a goal in the current campaign.

Amorim is yet to include Zirkzee in his starting line-up for any fixture this term, with the forward remaining an unused substitute on seven Premier League occasions, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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Consequently, persistent rumours have emerged connecting Zirkzee with a potential departure from United when the January market opens.

Nevertheless, The Sun has suggested this scenario is unlikely as Zirkzee appears destined to stay put at Old Trafford. Reports indicate the 24-year-old has "no chance" of departing United in the New Year.

The publication suggests that the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is anticipated to result in Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo being unavailable for multiple weeks, is shaping United's January planning.

Zirkzee has reportedly been informed that a January transfer is off the table, with the striker expected to see more action on the pitch in December and January.

Rumours have been swirling for a while now that Zirkzee was eyeing a January exit from United in pursuit of more consistent first-team football, but if recent reports are to be believed, this may not be feasible.

In total, Zirkzee has scored just seven goals for United across his 54 appearances for the club since the start of last season.

United will return to Premier League action after the November international break with a clash against Everton on the Monday after the rest of the league fixtures.

It remains to be seen if Amorim will decide to give Zirkzee any minutes when the top flight resumes this month, with summer signings Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, as well as Amad, often getting the majority of the minutes in the forward line.

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