Manchester United took a step in the right direction with the draw against Liverpool, but a lot of work is still needed.
The Red Devils battled to a 2–2 draw as Ruben Amorim's side ended a four-match losing streak at Anfield. The new year means that the new man in the dugout can address some of the issues in his team, even if he is working with limited resources.
A number of summer signings have failed to materialize and part of their future at Old Trafford is already being discussed. Amorim's 3-4-3 system requires specific skills and the former Sporting Lisbon boss can keep an eye on wing-backs as well as a goalscorer in the final third.
Here's the latest news from Manchester.
Zirkzee's uncertain future
Amorim has refused to rule out the possibility of Joshua Zirkzee leaving Manchester in January, just six months after joining the club. The Dutchman was signed from Bologna for £36million in the summer and scored on his debut in the opening game of the season, but has struggled since.
Questions are already being asked about his future, with Juventus reportedly keen to sign the former Bologna man. They are now managed by Thiago Motta, previously worked effectively with Zirkzee in Serie A and are expected to make a bid this month.
Amorim has made it clear that he wants to keep Zirkzee, but cannot rule out his departure. “I want to keep Josh because he is giving everything and he is trying in training, but we don't know,” he said. “The window is open and we'll see what happens.” We just have to concentrate on training and take this into the other games. It's just one point, so let's focus on performance for the next games.”
Juve are open to trade
As for Juventus, an offer to swap Dusan Vlahovic for Zirkzee is now being discussed, according to talkSPORT. The Serbian has been with the Italian giants since 2022, after a productive spell at Fiorentina.
He was once heavily linked with Arsenal but has remained in Serie A. However, that could be coming to an end as the Manchester team may get the chance to land Vlahovic.
The striker has achieved double figures in each of his two full seasons at Juventus and has already found the back of the net 12 times this season.
Rashford's Italian option
AC Milan have emerged as a candidate for United striker Marcus Rashford, who has been closely linked with the exit door at Old Trafford. He has not played for weeks after being left out in the cold for a number of matches under Amorim.
Rashford himself has claimed he is ready for a “new challenge” and Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that the Italian giants are keen on the Englishman. However, they add that there could be several obstacles to a potential move.
Clearly, a move to Milan is more likely given the salary Rashford earns in Manchester. The San Siro team may not be able to match his pay package and they may want to bring him in on a temporary basis to compliment the likes of Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham.
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