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Reports suggest that Manchester United's former manager Erik ten Hag was not involved in Joshua Zirkzee's transfer and, in fact, did not support the signing.
Instead, the decision reportedly came from the club's new management, making the Dutch forward's struggles all the more concerning as United's offensive woes deepen.
Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford with hopes of bolstering United's attack but has faced significant challenges from the start.
Allegedly arriving a stone above his expected weight, he has struggled to reach peak physical fitness.
Although he made a promising debut in August, scoring the decisive goal against Fulham, his form has waned.
Since that opening performance, Zirkzee has failed to find the net again across 15 appearances, mostly as a substitute, with his last Premier League start dating back to a September clash with Tottenham.
With Rasmus Hojlund now back in the squad, Zirkzee's opportunities have further dwindled.
Ten Hag, who reportedly lost patience with the forward early on, had publicly highlighted the team's need for offensive improvement, given United's dismal start to the season.
The Red Devils currently sit in the lower half of the table with only nine goals in ten games - a record that has raised concerns about their competitiveness.
Ruben Amorim, the new manager, is expected to assess the team's striking options, adding to the pressure on Zirkzee to prove his value.