British mainstream negativity is significantly low following an impressive Manchester United victory against Brentford, but an interesting report has surfaced in Italy.
The result offered a welcome reprieve for Erik ten Hag, with a starring role played by the front three of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and the impressive Rasmus Hojlund.
A second-half performance befitting of Old Trafford was a welcome reward for those in attendance, with a catalogue of attacking assaults that battered Mark Flekken’s goal.
However, many supporters pointed towards the noticeable change in final-third intent following the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee after 74 minutes.
The Dutch forward has divided opinion since his arrival, with his deeper role proving problematic for many.
Despite hitting the game-winner in his debut against Fulham and notching a first goal for the Netherlands three weeks later, United’s number 11 has not scored for his club since that memorable introduction on August 16.
With Hojlund’s return from injury, Zirkzee has also seen his playing time reduced, earning 67 minutes over the previous three fixtures. With such, reports in Italy have suggested the attacker is now open to a move back to Serie A as early as January.
“Zirkzee would gladly return to Italy”
According to an exclusive report from Daniele Longo in Calciomercato, the 23-year-old is considering his options following a difficult start to life in England.
The article hints about an unhappy player struggling to adapt to the harsh reality of playing for Manchester United. “Maybe, Joshua is starting to regret the choice he made last summer, preferring the Red Devils to various Italian clubs and beyond,” Longo states.
“£36M FLOP – The English press has no doubts,” he continues. “Right now, Zirkzee is a £36M flop.
“A harsh judgment, but not too far from the moment of a striker who struggles so much on and off the pitch. And the player admired in Bologna seems like a faded memory.”
Regarding a potential destination for the Schiedam native, his signature would be in demand across Italian football’s elite division.
Significantly, Longo appears so confident in his delivery that the player would accept a move at the earliest possible stage.
“Zirkzee would gladly return to Italy, probably as early as January,” the journalist states. “It remains to be seen whether Manchester United would be open to a loan transfer.
“Joshua could come back into fashion for Juventus, who are looking for a player with his characteristics, while for Milan, despite the strong approval, the matter seems to have been definitively closed.”
The attacker has made 11 appearances for the Reds and is still attempting to find his feet in a new country, climate, and football club, all while living with the unrealistic expectation of setting the world alight in a matter of weeks.
If Manchester United is to be a success under Ineos, Ten Hag requires a squad with options across every section of the field. I have no doubt Zirkzee was aware of this when opting to make the move.
The Theatre of Red has verified the reports through our Italian colleagues and sources close to the Dutchman’s camp.
But how do you feel about the speculation linking the player with a return to Italy?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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