Man United make ‘definite’ Joshua Zirkzee decision after what Ruben Amorim saw
Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with a move away from Man United ahead of the January transfer window but now looks set to remain at Old Trafford.
That is according to former Man United 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 Ruben Amorim was impressed by what he saw against Crystal Palace.
Man United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Zirkzee bagging the equaliser before Mason Mount fired home from range to win it.
Zirkzee has been frustrated at Man United this season given his lack of playing time, with Benjamin Sesko still the first-choice striker when he is fully fit.
However, Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Zirkzee will play an important role for Man United while Sesko is ruled out with a knee injury.
Man United unlikely to let Joshua Zirkzee leave
Brown told Football Insider on 10 November that Zirkzee will not be allowed to leave Man United as he still has a big role to play under Amorim.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted that the striker’s performance against Palace has solidified his place in United’s plans.
“United definitely don’t want to sell Zirkzee in January,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s better than his goalscoring record suggests, because he puts himself about, he’s strong physically, and he’s got a good aggression about his game.
“That goal against Palace will do him a world of good in front of goal.
“The manager will have been impressed by what he saw, because he needs him to step up and take his chances over the next few weeks.
“With Sesko injured and AFCON coming up, there’s going to be chances for him to show what he can do, and that’s part of the reason they won’t let him go.
“He’s still a big part of the squad and has a big role to play, and as I say, that goal against Crystal Palace hopefully will allow him to put together a good run of form.”
Man United wowed by Adam Wharton v Crystal Palace
Zirkzee was not the only player who impressed as United beat Palace at Selhurst Park, as all eyes were fixed on the performance of Adam Wharton in midfield.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United were impressed by Wharton’s display as they continue to consider a number of options to strengthen in midfield.
The England international has attracted interest from a number of high profile clubs including Real Madrid and Man City, but United remain strong contenders.
Football Insider revealed on 10 October that Crystal Palace have no plans to sell Wharton despite the growing interest as he remains a key player.
However, Amorim is determined to strengthen in midfield and United are assessing a number of big-name targets ahead of the January transfer window.
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