Joshua Zirkzee could make Man United U-turn after ‘serious’ injury to teammate
Man United have had a strong start to the season despite initial concerns as Ruben Amorim has finally started to turn around their recent fortunes.
Amorim’s side drew 2-2 with Tottenham at the weekend, in what was an impressive result as Matthijs de Ligt grabbed a late equaliser to save his team from defeat.
However, Man United were dealt a blow during their draw, as Benjamin Sesko was withdrawn with a knee injury and he is now set to withdraw from international duty.
That has heightened concerns at Old Trafford given their lack of cover up front, but could present Joshua Zirkzee with an opportunity to step into the starting XI.
While the length of the Slovenia international’s injury has not yet been confirmed, there are worries about the extend of the blow, which could force Zirkzee back in.
Joshua Zirkzee could stay at Man United after injury news
Zirkzee is frustrated at Man United and is expected to push to leave the club in the mid-season window amid growing interest from a number of top sides.
However, the striker could soon find himself playing an increased role under Amorim if Sesko’s injury is worse than initially feared as he will need to step in.
That is according to former Man Untied chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Zirkzee could now be set for an increased role in the side.
“It was a magnificent recovery tackle by Van de Ven,” he told Football Insider.
“When you look at the challenge, it didn’t seem to impact his left side, which was the knee he was complaining about when he was forced to come off.
“I think if there was ever a good time to get an injury, it’s before an international break.
“But if he’s out for any extended period, Zirkzee will be given a chance to make his mark.
“I think he will be a good player for somebody, when he plays he’s got that drive about him which makes him a thorn in the side for a lot of defender.
“Whether this system at United suits him, I’m not sure. We won’t find out until he’s given a run of games to show the manager what he can do.
“I think now is the chance for that to happen, and if he’d been looking to leave in search of playing time, he can finally get that at United.
“The club were reluctant to let him go anyway, so maybe it’s a situation which suits them both despite obviously suffering the blow of losing Sesko.
“There’s no way they’ll let him go if he’s out, and for Zirkzee, playing regularly in the Man United team might help ease those frustrations he’s had.”
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Man United plan to keep Zirkzee as cover in case of any injuries they suffer as the fixture schedule ramps up.
Everton and West Ham could miss out on Zirkzee
Sources told Football Insider that Everton are in the race to sign Zirkzee due to their ongoing struggles for a regular goalscorer, with Beto and Thierno Barry disappointing.
Meanwhile, West Ham are also interested in Zirkzee and are suffering from their own attacking concerns, as they have been without a dependable striker.
The Netherlands international has been keen to seek improved playing time away from Old Trafford, but the opportunity to stay in the Premier League was expected to appeal to him.
A number of Serie A clubs including both Como and Juventus have also been keeping tabs on the striker’s situation with a potential January move in mind.
However, all four interested clubs look set to miss out on the striker, with United planning to block his exit and potentially hand him an increase in playing time.
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