Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side returned to winning ways against Newcastle on Friday evening as the boss fielded a quite unfamiliar starting XI
Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly made a decision regarding leaving Manchester United(Image: Getty)
Manchester United and manager Ruben Amorim celebrated a return to form with a victory over Newcastle on Friday evening. The Portuguese boss’s side closed the gap to three points behind third-placed Liverpool.
In a hard-fought match, it was Patrick Dorgu’s exquisite volley that made the difference as Amorim’s team took on the Magpies. The win saw the Portuguese coach switch to a seldom-used back four due to the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes.
The line-up was shaken up around the 60-minute mark with the introduction of Leny Yoro, who came on alongside Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee has reportedly now made a decision about his uncertain future at United, as The Manchester Evening News brings you all the latest updates from Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee makes transfer decision
Dutch forward Zirkzee arrived in Manchester in the summer of 2024, becoming the first signing under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Erik ten Hag was the manager when he joined from Bologna.
The £36.5million striker struggled to make an impact under Ten Hag and has seen limited game time off the bench under Amorim, contributing just one assist so far this season.
Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from United(Image: Getty)
With new forwards brought in during the summer, rumours began to circulate about a potential move away for Zirkzee, but nothing came to fruition. As the January transfer window approaches, these rumours persist and recent reports suggest he has made a decision about his future.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has reportedly agreed to join Roma. The Italian outfit have long been mentioned as potential destinations for the Dutch forward.
Zirkzee has now allegedly held discussions with Roma’s sporting director Ricky Massara and received assurances from manager Gian Piero Gasparini that he will slot into their tactical setup. The report suggests that a transfer is anticipated to be finalised by mid-January.
Fresh long-term commitment secured
Whilst the men’s side seemingly prepares for Zirkzee’s departure, the women’s team has received welcome news. Japanese midfielder Hinata Miyazawa has put pen to paper on a new deal with United that will keep her at the club until 2029.
Miyazawa arrived in Manchester two years ago and played a key role in helping the club secure the Women’s FA Cup during the 2023/24 campaign. She is also an established international for her country.
Matt Johnson, Director of Women’s Football at United, said: “We are really excited to have Hinata extend her time at Manchester United.
Miyazawa has signed a contract extension(Image: Getty)
“She has become a critical component to the way we play. Her footballing intelligence and technical ability enables her and the team to control and dictate play from central areas.”
Miyazawa commented: “I am really enjoying playing football at Manchester United and I am really happy to be continuing my journey here.”
