Amorim set to axe player after taking charge of Man United

Manchester United will be searching for their first win of the Europa League group phase when they host Greek side PAOK on Thursday. 

The Red Devils have drawn against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce in the group phase so far, leaving them 21st in the 36-team table.

Thursday’s match will be United’s final European game before Ruben Amorim takes charge during the upcoming international break,  and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will be hoping to oversee a victory.

In the meantime, it appears that Amorim has already made his mind up about the future of one of United’s attackers.

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato via GiveMeSport, the Portuguese would prefer a more physical striker than current United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutchman joined United from Serie A side Bologna over the summer and enjoyed a dream debut for the club, scoring the winner against Fulham on the opening night of the Premier League season.

Zirkzee has endured a tough start to his Manchester United career

He has struggled since then, though, failing to score in 14 matches since across all competitions.

The report claims that Amorim wants to ‘rely on his own ideas’ and is therefore intent on bringing in new attacking players, and therefore likely replacing the likes of Zirkzee.

It is also claimed that a number of Italian sides, including AC Milan and Juventus, would be willing to sign the Netherlands international.

United must now decide whether or not to allow Zirkzee, 23, to depart Old Trafford on loan in January.

Zirkzee is said to earn in excess of £100,000-per-week following his high profile summer move from Italy.

The Dutchman is contracted to United until the summer of 2029, having signed a long-term deal when joining the club for a fee of 36 million just a few months ago.

United’s other central attacking options include Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.