Joshua Zirkzee, currently underperforming at Manchester United, is reportedly looking to leave his club to reunite with his former manager, Thiago Motta, at Juventus.

Zirkzee, aged 23, has managed to find the net only once in 18 appearances since his £36.5 million move from Bologna last summer.

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The Dutch striker has faced challenges in securing a regular spot in United’s starting eleven under different coaches, including Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy. New manager Ruben Amorim has also voiced his discontent following recent comments about Zirkzee’s performance.

Reports from La Gazzetta indicate that Zirkzee is contemplating a move back to Italy as soon as January.

Prior to joining Old Trafford, he had scored 14 goals in 53 appearances for Bologna.

Despite not being highly prolific, Zirkzee was viewed as a vital asset due to his link-up play that contributed to Bologna’s Champions League qualification last season.

During his two-year tenure at the club, he played under the guidance of Motta, who has since taken the managerial reins at Juventus.

Sources suggest Zirkzee is keen on joining Motta in Turin next year.

Juventus is reportedly looking to finalize the deal following their unbeaten streak in Serie A.

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They aim to establish a loan agreement with United for the remainder of the season, with options for a permanent transfer next summer.

Ruben Amorim moved by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt

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For United to agree to the transfer, they will likely need to find an adequate replacement first.

The club’s recent transfer endeavors have been limited due to PSR and FFP rules.

This indicates that United may only be positioned to afford a temporary striker, which is currently a rare commodity in the market.

Nonetheless, Amorim has expressed dissatisfaction with Zirkzee’s contributions and may see this as an opportunity to pursue his preferred recruitment.

After his first match as manager, a 1-1 stalemate with Ipswich, Amorim shared concerns regarding Zirkzee’s understanding of the No. 9 role.

Amorim remarked: “Decision-making is a worry; players at this level shouldn’t require specific coaching on that. It’s essential to maintain possession and recognize when to push the ball forward. In critical moments, such as towards the game’s conclusion, our positioning around the box required Josh to be present for crosses.”

Ten Hag’s Man Utd Signings

The Dutch manager has incorporated 21 players into the squad since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022.

2022-23:

Antony, (Ajax) £86m

Casemiro, (Real Madrid) £70m

Lisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46m

Tyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13m

Christian Eriksen, (Brentford) free

Martin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loan

Wout Weghorst, (Burnley) loan

Jack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loan

Marcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan

2023-24:

Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72m

Mason Mount, (Chelsea) £60m

Andre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47m

Sofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loan

Altay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3m

Jonny Evans, (Leicester) free

Sergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan

2024-25:

Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52m

Manuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50m

Matthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45m

Joshua Zirkzee, (Bologna) £36.5m

Noussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m