Carrick must channel his inner Amorim as unwanted Man Utd star refuses to leave

Under Michael Carrick, the Netherlands international has been either spending the entire match on the bench or making very brief cameos.

(Zirkzee’s playing time under Carrick via Transfermarkt)

Therefore, many feel that the writing is on the wall for Zirkzee, who must rescue his career by finding himself a new club.

According to football journalist Paddy Keogh, Man Utd are ‘keen’ to offload the former Bayern Munich man in the summer. The club is expected to inform the player of the decision by the end of the season.

The source also mentions Napoli as a potential suitor. This would be an interesting destination given how he would reunite with Rasmus Hojlund, who was his main competitor for a starting berth last season.

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The Partenopei famously host another former MUFC man in Scott McTominay, who cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in the Italian top flight.

But while INEOS are hellbent on parting ways with Zirkzee, Keogh believes the player is in no hurry to leave, as he remains ‘determined’ to stay at Carrington and fight for his place in the team.

Can Carrick imitate ruthless Amorim?

Those who have paid attention to Zirkzee’s demeanour, whether on or off the pitch, would sense that the striker is rather happy at United.

Perhaps he isn’t necessarily pleased with his limited status, but at least he feels appreciated by his teammates and the fanbase, and he realises that he’s playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a departure could be deemed a step backwards in his career.

On the other hand, Carrick (who, in all likelihood, will be confirmed as head coach for next season) doesn’t seem to be a keen admirer of the Dutch forward. And if Zirkzee decides to stay put, the manager’s chances of getting a new attacker will certainly shrink, with the management already prioritising other departments.

Last summer, Ruben Amorim adopted a cut-throat approach, which ultimately paid dividends. His unwavering stance on the so-called ‘bomb squad’ allowed Man Utd to get rid of some of their most unwanted underachievers in recent years.

He also dropped Hojlund from his plans in August, putting pressure on the Dane to accept Napoli’s offer, even though the striker had expressed his desire to stay and fight for his place in the team.

Therefore, a similar approach might eventually push Zirkzee out the door, but it remains to be seen if Carrick has the nerves to execute it.