Atalanta join Juventus in the race for Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee, Serie A leaders eyeing a loan deal | OneFootball

Manchester United slumped to their fifth defeat of December on Thursday with Wolverhampton Wanderers emerging 2-0 winners at the Molineux Stadium.

Ruben Amorim has managed to win only seven points from a possible 21 in the Premier League since his arrival, with former boss Erik ten Hag accruing more points in his final seven games.

It is a concern and currently, the squad looks ill-equipped to deal with the Portuguese’s demands and unless he compromises to some extent, a relegation scrap could be on the cards.

The head coach has promised to carry on in the same vein regardless and tough times lie ahead for United supporters worldwide. All they can do is trust in Amorim and hope he can turn the tide.

Zirkzee has struggled at United

It looks extremely difficult, especially with the lack of firepower up front. Rasmus Hojlund, who started the game against Wolves, does not look ready to lead the line for the Red Devils.

Substitute Joshua Zirkzee has fared even worse since his summer arrival and continues to get linked with an exit in January with Juventus interested in his services.

As per Sport Mediaset, the Turin-based club are not the only Italian club looking at the Dutch star with current Serie A leaders Atalanta also eyeing the United No 11.

Mateo Retegui suffered an injury in their game against Empoli while Gianluca Scamacca is yet to regain fitness after a long-term injury and as a result, manager Gian Piero Gasperini wants more cover up front.

The Bergamo-based outfit are leading Serie A and among the options they have identified to strengthen their forward line, Zirkzee’s name also features.

Atalanta are looking at the possible of a direct loan as well as a loan with an option to make it permanent next summer should the Netherlands international impress at the Stadium Athletes Azzurri d’Italia.

“Atalanta is exploring the January market in search of a striker and there are many names on the notebook and with very different characteristics.

Atalanta want Zirkzee

“It will depend above all on Gasperini’s approval and the opportunities that the market can offer, but in Bergamo several names are starting to circulate including that of Joshua Zirkzee.

“He hasn’t started off on the right foot at United and would be a dry loan operation, perhaps with the possibility of negotiating a transfer in June.”

The 23-year-old has managed only four goals in red since his summer arrival and has looked more like a link-up player than a ruthless finisher which is the need of the hour in Manchester.

The Red Devils are open to a loan exit in the winter and it seems Juventus will have a fight on their hands to land Thiago Motta’s desired star.

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