Ruben Amorim reportedly harbours concerns over Joshua Zirkzee and his suitability for his setup.
Indeed, Manchester World reporter Rich Fay claims the Manchester United boss does not view Zirkzee as a ‘clear number nine’ and believes he ‘lacks the strength’ to lead a frontline.
This is only further proven in the player’s reduced game time under Amorim this season, with Zirkzee yet to start a fixture in any competition since 2025/2026 got underway.
Ruben Amorim does not believe Joshua Zirkzee is a 'clear number nine' and thinks he lacks the strength to lead the line.
The weekend win over Liverpool showed that even without Sesko, they are unlikely to turn to him #mufc https://t.co/JXFMo1Cufh
— Rich Fay (@RichFay) October 23, 2025
Zirkzee operating a reduced role under Amorim
In the Premier League, his lengthiest cameo came when he replaced Matheus Cunha in the first half of United’s win over Burnley at the end of August. He then featured for 10 minutes in the closing stages of the Manchester derby and for just five minutes in the defeat to Brentford.
The Dutch international has been an unused substitute five times already, including the last two matches against Sunderland and Liverpool.
Alas, it came as no surprise for the Old Trafford faithful when reports suggested Zirkzee wanted to leave the club in the January transfer window.
He is keen to see his game time increased in the build-up to the World Cup next summer, meaning a move away is almost imperative for him to move up in Ronald Koeman’s estimations.
Where might Zirkzee end up?
In the event United do allow him to embark on a new loan venture, he will have his pick of a handful of clubs.
West Ham are said to be preparing an offer to take Zirkzee on loan for the rest of the term, as well as AS Roma and other unnamed Italian suitors.
Napoli had considered making a move for the 24-year-old in the summer before they sealed a deal for his counterpart Rasmus Hojlund, who’s since enjoyed a new lease of life and found his best goalscoring form for the Serie A champions.
What United need is a manager who is flexible with his systems. Amorim is too rigid and in some cases is weakening players strengths and effectiveness. He needs to be able to change down the years or he will become a one trick pony and a dinosaur before long. The game evolves and his unwillingness to change will be to United’s detriment…if he is still there this or next season.
So did he change against Liverpool ? No the ‘system’ is beginning to take shape with the defensive midfields regularly dropping into a “back five” and a block in midfield forcing Liverpool out to the wings..
FLEXIBILITY IS BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM
It’s life I think it would be best for him to leave to get some football. I can’t see him getting in this lineup now. Good luck