Joshua Zirkzee could now return to Man United XI after unexpected twist
Joshua Zirkzee is still weighing up his future at Man United and could force the club to make a move during the January transfer window.
Football Insider first revealed in October that Zirkzee is unhappy at Man United given his lack of playing time, with the likes of West Ham and Everton interested in him.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, losing Zirkzee would force United into the transfer market, but he could instead be given his opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the starting XI.
Benjamin Sesko was forced off with a knee injury against Tottenham and there are now worries that he could spend an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing tests.
As a result, it has been suggested that Zirkzee could look to stay and fill his place if Sesko has suffered a long-term blow, with his plans expected to dictate United’ direction in January.
Joshua Zirkzee could make Man United U-turn
Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 10 November that Zirzkee could stay at Man United if he is afforded more first-team minutes.
Sesko’s injury could see him given that opportunity, but amid plenty of interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, an exit is still on the cards.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “They’re waiting to find out the full extent of the injury sustained by Sesko in that draw Tottenham with the weekend.
“If it is a bad injury, maybe he opens the door for Zirkzee to get a regular run of games under him, because he’s been a bit unsettled this season.
“Obviously, if Sesko is sidelined for a considerable period of time, it might mean United decide to keep Zirkzee and he gets an extended run in the side.
“If he wants to move on, which has been suggested, it might force United into the transfer market to bring in a new option in January.
“No decision has been made just yet, they want to wait and see how serious that injury is.
“But this could be the chance for Zirkzee to make his mark on the Man United side if it turns out that Sesko is out injured for a while.”
Football Insider revealed on 1 November that Man United are reluctant to sell Zirkzee given their lack of attacking depth, and could move to block his departure.
Benjamin Sesko injury to dictate Man United’s spending
One week on from the Slovenia international’s withdrawal against Tottenham, there is still little clarity about the severity of his injury.
Despite efforts from the club to play it down, Football Insider revealed on 14 November that Man United could be forced to sign a striker when the January transfer window opens.
Ruben Amorim has previously said that Sesko will be Man United’s first-choice striker for the foreseeable future, putting his faith in the Slovenian despite a poor start to the season.
However, Football Insider revealed on 13 November that Sesko’s injury could force Man United into the market given their current lack of attacking depth.
There had been no plans to bring in attacking reinforcements in January prior to this blow, given their outlay during the summer, but a “serious” blow could force their hand.
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