Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made the surprising decision to drop striker Joshua Zirkzee to the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Tactical Shift Amid Squad Shortages
This omission comes despite Zirkzee scoring in United's previous match, a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the team facing a severe shortage of available players. Amorim confirmed the choice was purely tactical, tailored to the specific challenge posed by Leeds.
"It was just thinking about what we are going to face today, trying to make the team comfortable to win the game," Amorim told TNT Sports. "We don't have a lot of options, but we are ready to be competitive."
The Portuguese coach has been forced into a major reshuffle due to an extensive injury list and international absences. Key players Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt are all sidelined. Furthermore, Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Defensive Setup and Transfer Speculation
In response, Amorim has opted for a cautious 3-4-2-1 formation at Elland Road, featuring six defenders and two holding midfielders. Patrick Dorgu has been deployed in an advanced role, with Luke Shaw at left wing-back and Benjamin Sesko leading the line as the lone striker.
Zirkzee's demotion to a substitutes' bench containing just two other senior players—goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and defender Tyrell Malacia—is a clear indication of his current standing. The Dutch forward has found life difficult at Old Trafford since his £36.5 million move from Bologna in 2024, managing only two goals in 13 appearances across all competitions.
His future appears increasingly likely to be away from Manchester, with strong reports from Italy indicating he has agreed to join AS Roma. It is claimed Zirkzee has met with Roma's sporting director Ricky Massara and received assurances from manager Gian Piero Gasperini about his role.
Amorim's Firm Stance on January Window
However, whether United will sanction a departure during the January transfer window remains uncertain, given the acute lack of attacking options. Amorim has been steadfast in his message that the club will not be busy this month, having already vetoed a potential exit for Mainoo to Napoli.
"The transfer window is not going to change," Amorim stated firmly. "We have no conversation at this moment to have any change in the squad. There's a process, there's an idea that is going to continue."
Reflecting on the squad's creative woes ahead of the Leeds trip, the manager pinpointed the simultaneous loss of his chief chance-creators. "If you lose [Amad, Mbeumo, and Fernandes] all three at the same time, any team in the world will struggle," he admitted, highlighting the monumental task facing his depleted side.
