‘Lacks strength’: Amorim privately voices concerns over £36m Man Utd man who wants out in January

Zirkzee operating a reduced role under Amorim

In the Premier League, his lengthiest cameo came when he replaced Matheus Cunha in the first half of United’s win over Burnley at the end of August. He then featured for 10 minutes in the closing stages of the Manchester derby and for just five minutes in the defeat to Brentford.

The Dutch international has been an unused substitute five times already, including the last two matches against Sunderland and Liverpool.

Alas, it came as no surprise for the Old Trafford faithful when reports suggested Zirkzee wanted to leave the club in the January transfer window.

He is keen to see his game time increased in the build-up to the World Cup next summer, meaning a move away is almost imperative for him to move up in Ronald Koeman’s estimations.

Where might Zirkzee end up?

In the event United do allow him to embark on a new loan venture, he will have his pick of a handful of clubs.

West Ham are said to be preparing an offer to take Zirkzee on loan fo r the rest of the term, as well as AS Roma and other unnamed Italian suitors.

Napoli had considered making a move for the 24-year-old in the summer before they sealed a deal for his counterpart Rasmus Hojlund, who’s since enjoyed a new lease of life and found his best goalscoring form for the Serie A champions.