Joshua Zirkzee transfer – are Man Utd right to let him go? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Manchester United are preparing to sell centre forward Joshua Zirkzee.
• The Dutchman only arrived in the summer from Bologna.
• A return to Serie A the most likely option for the 23-year-old.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (2.5/5): Sources in Italy don't name interested clubs

Joshua Zirkzee risks going down as one of the most expensive flops in Premier League history, if Italian website calciomercato.com is to be believed, after they claimed Man Utd are set to offload the Dutchman in January, with unnamed Serie A clubs reportedly interested.

He only arrived in the summer for €42.5 million from Bologna, but after just one goal in 17 appearances, his time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to a premature end.

Value (1/5): A huge waste of money in a problem area for United

From a United standpoint, letting Zirkzee go so soon into his five-year deal will be a monumental waste of money for a club that has not exactly been shrewd in the transfer market for the last decade.

No potential offers have been reported on yet, but United are unlikely to get anything close to the €42.5 million they paid.

Suitability (2.5/5): Perhaps Amorim can work wonders on him?

Are United and those who have already written off the Dutch international judging him too soon?

Plenty of players take a season or so to adapt to life in the Premier League, and perhaps Ruben Amorim is the right man to help Zirkzee find his feet at Old Trafford?

Upgrade? (2/5): United targets look ready-made

There could still be a chance for Zirkzee, who is behind the only other senior centre forward Rasmus Hojlund in the pecking order at United at present.

However, with United already reported to be moving in for Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres, and other sought-after forwards, Zirkzee could find himself completely out of contention before long.

Logic (4/5): Zirkzee can forget this ever happened

With 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna, Zirkzee was never hugely prolific in Italy, but he clearly was enjoying his football there much more than in England.

From his point of view, it might make sense to head back to Serie A and put his time at United firmly behind him, while the Red Devils won't lose much sleep if they land a big-name replacement.

Whisper+ verdict: 12/25

We have mixed our ratings somewhat between United's and Zirkzee's perspectives, so it is no surprise that we have a verdict close to the 50% mark.

However, it seems clear that cutting their losses, shaking hands, and walking away could work out well for United and for Zirkzee, who now just needs the bids to come in!