Joshua Zirkzee has been urged to seek a move away from Manchester United this summer after two disappointing seasons at Old Trafford. The Dutch striker joined from Bologna in a £36.5 million deal two years ago but has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances for the Red Devils.
Falling down the pecking order
The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer pushed Zirkzee further down the pecking order, and he featured sparingly after Michael Carrick took over in the second half of the season. His lack of game time also cost him a place in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup, and he is now linked with a move away in search of regular minutes.
Former United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has urged the 25-year-old to take that opportunity, insisting Zirkzee has failed to show he is 'good enough' to stay at the club.
Juventus interest
'I've heard a rumour that he might be moving to Juventus, and I thought that would be a good move for him,' Meulensteen told talkSPORT. 'It's been evident that he hasn't been a regular starter; he's been a bit of a bit-part player.'
'I don't think he has shown he is good enough to warrant being a starter for the coming season, especially with Sesko who has done so well under Michael.'
Juventus are frontrunners and want to sign Zirkzee on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent next summer. United, however, would prefer a permanent sale but would need to replace Zirkzee before the end of the transfer window.
Rashford's future
While Zirkzee appears destined for the exit, Meulensteen said he would like to see Marcus Rashford given a second chance under Carrick. The winger seemed set for a permanent switch to Barcelona but is now heading back to Manchester after the Catalan club opted to pursue Anthony Gordon instead.
Rashford has interest from Turkey, but Meulensteen believes the 28-year-old can still offer plenty to his boyhood club. 'I've always been in support of Marcus, because I know where he's come from,' he said. 'As a young player, he came through the ranks, and those players that come through the ranks, they carry a special Manchester United DNA.'
'What has happened with Marcus is an interesting one. Did he lose the love for the club, or did he lose the love of the manager that he was working for at that particular time?'
'I think that just needs a very good conversation between Michael and Marcus, because I'm sure that Michael rates Marcus as a player, and he can still make a difference.'
'If that is the case, and again, if they are aligned in terms of how they can best use Marcus, then there is an opportunity he could still stay. I can't see why not.'
Meulensteen added: 'There will be people saying he has to move on because he's moved away, and there may be a little bit of feeling left that they're not too happy about. But if Marcus comes in, he performs, he scores a few important goals, then everybody jumps on the bandwagon again.'
