One clear winner emerges if Joshua Zirkzee secures Man Utd exit, Ruben Amorim holds the key

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Manchester United face a battle to hold on to Joshua Zirkzee during the upcoming transfer window, and that could have a knock-on impact.

Joshua Zirkzee is attracting interest in the transfer market due to his lack of game time at Manchester United this season.

Zirkzee has not started a single Premier League game in the opening two months, and the knock-on impact is that he has not been called up into the Netherlands squad.

Ronald Koeman has told Zirkzee he must be playing regularly in order to be in his plans at the World Cup, and so there is an incentive for him to leave, if his situation does not change between now and January.

United In Focus understand that Parma and Feyenoord are both interested in moves for Zirkzee, most likely on a loan basis.

Chido Obi could be winner from Joshua Zirkzee exit

Joshua Zirkzee’s versatility has counted against him when it comes to playing time. He is not Manchester United’s best number 9, nor is he one of United’s best 10s.

But his versatility has made him an essential part of United’s bench, due to his ability to cover two positions.

Ideally Ruben Amorim would name more than one forward on the bench, but at the moment, Zirkzee is blocking the path of Chido Obi.

If Zirkzee leaves, then Chido Obi would be in line for a promotion to Manchester United’s matchday squads.

Obi, 17, has already made his Manchester United debut, but has not played a single minute this season.

For now he is stuck playing under-21 football, unable to make the first team bench. Zirkzee’s exit could open up an opportunity.

With Benjamin Sesko the clear first choice striker, Obi offers a more natural replacement in terms of style than Zirkzee, and he could play a useful role in the second half of the season.

Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Chido Obi is vital

Chido Obi could get a call-up to Manchester United’s bench for matchday squads if Joshua Zirkzee leaves.

But for this to be a worthwhile experience for the talented teenage striker, he needs to actually play.

If he ends up spending as much time as a benchwarmer as Zirkzee, then labelling Chido Obi as a ‘winner’ from this move could end up being premature.

The opportunity cost is that Obi needs to play, and spending time on United’s bench will prevent him actually getting game time with the under-21s.

It could also deny him a valuable loan opportunity in the January transfer window, which could prove more beneficial long-term.

For this to work, clearly Ruben Amorim has to buy-in and play Obi. And if he does, he could be rewarded with goals.