“I wanted to keep him but I’m tired o him already”: Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim names ONE player who must leave the club this summer
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is planning to keep Joshua Zirkzee and listen to offers for Rasmus Hojlund after re-evaluating his attacking options ahead of being able to make adjustments to his Old Trafford squad during the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils’ latest setback – which came in the form of a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend – means they are set to finish the campaign with their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League, while they are on course to miss out on qualifying for a continental competition unless they win the Europa League.
Aston Villa could hand Manchester United a welcome cash injection in the coming months, thanks to having an option to buy Marcus Rashford for £40million at the end of his initial loan switch, but Amorim is aiming to sanction further departures as he makes preparations for his first full season at the helm.
Hojlund Set to be Put on Market by Red Devils
Denmark international has been unable to live up to hefty price tag
Amorim has made a major U-turn over the futures of Zirkzee and Hojlund at Manchester United, according to GMS sources, with the latter poised to be put on the market when it initially appeared that his fellow striker was more likely to head through the exit door and embark on a fresh challenge.
The Red Devils are looking to ease the strain on their wage bill and, with the duo being on contracts which allow them to pocket a combined total of £190,000-per-week, there have been suggestions that they could be allowed to depart due to struggling to enjoy a sustained prolific run of form this term.
But GMS sources have been informed that Zirkzee is in line to remain at Manchester United as there is faith that he will keep improving and Amorim is prepared to keep him in his plans for next season, despite initially being expected to leave in the summer, while Hojlund’s situation has also altered as he is going to be made available for a move.
The 22-year-old Denmark international has been on the Red Devils’ books since completing a switch worth up to £72million from Serie A side Atalanta in August 2023, but he has struggled to match expectations and failed to prove that he deserves to be the first-choice frontman for the long-term.
Influential figures at Manchester United are disappointed that Hojlund has not lived up to his price tag since arriving, GMS sources have learned, and they are increasingly open to cashing in due to him being unable to give indications that he is developing his game and would be a reliable asset in the final third of the pitch during the 2025/26 campaign.
Zirkzee to be Given More Time at Old Trafford
Frontman’s resilience and versatility working in his favour
GMS sources have been told that Amorim is happy to continue working with Zirkzee as he has shown good focus and resilience as he aims to prove his worth at Manchester United, while there is confidence that his versatility could be beneficial as his teammates continue adjusting to the favoured formation.
The 23-year-old Dutchman – who was forced off with an injury during the Red Devils’ loss at Newcastle last weekend – moved into his current surroundings after a deal worth close to £37million was struck with Bologna in July, but a managerial change and struggles to rediscover his best form have hampered his progress.
Key decision-makers at Manchester United believe Zirkzee will develop into a better fit for Amorim’s side and is also a good squad player, GMS sources understand, increasing the likelihood of fellow centre forward Hojlund being given the chance to quit when the transfer window reopens for business.
The Europa League quarter-finalists are not solely focused on overseeing departures during the summer as GMS sources recently revealed that discussions have been held with the agent of Matheus Cunha over the possibility of heading to Old Trafford from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
