Ruben Amorim makes Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund transfer decision with one set to go

Ruben Amorim wants to keep Joshua Zirkzee this summer and would rather sell Rasmus Hojlund to generate funds, talkSPORT understands.

The Red Devils transfer kitty this summer, with both young strikers mentioned as possible outgoings after poor campaigns.

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Hojlund could be sacrificed this summer as United look to recoup much-needed transfer moneyCredit: GettyBut talkSPORT understands Amorim has bigger plans for Zirkzee in his squad, with Hojlund the more likely to leave Old Trafford just two years after arrival from Atalanta in a deal worth £72million.

Hojlund only managed ten goals in 52 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2024/2 season, including just four in the Premier League.

Incredibly, that’s the same amount of goal involvements as Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who provided four assists in the top flight last term.

Zirkzee didn’t fare much better as he managed seven goals and three assists in 49 games in his first campaign with the Premier League giants, but his versatility is admired by Amorim.

Read more on Man UnitedInter Milan have shown an interest in 22-year-old Hojlund, who enjoyed his breakout season in Serie A for Atalanta.

The player has insisted he wants to stay put this summer and fulfil his contract at United, but it appears his days at Old Trafford could be numbered for the No.9.

Hojlund’s future depends on whether senior figures at Old Trafford can strike a deal with rival clubs, however, if United are to keep the Denmark international then he will likely get one final season to win over Amorim.

United are in the process of bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new season with Matheus Cunha already on board after completing a £62.5m switch from Wolves.

Bryan Mbeumo could be next to arrive at Old Trafford with United pushing hard for the Cameroonian’s signature.

And links with Viktor Gyokeres are continuing to do the rounds with Amorim fond of his former striker at Sporting.

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Amorim is ready to offload £72m signing Hojlund this summer

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Zirkzee kicked off his United career with a goal but the star endured a tumultuous first seasonIt already looks to be a tall order for Hojlund should he stick around for another 12 months.

While a 25-goal campaign is probably an unrealistic expectation, Hojlund will have to show more prowess in front of goal if he is to save his Manchester United career.

Meanwhile, Zirkzee will almost certainly get another shot at Old Trafford despite a difficult opening season.

The Dutch star opened his account on his league debut last August but added just two more top-flight goals across the remaining 37 games.

In total, he netted just seven goals across all competitions and suffered arguably his worst moment in a United shirt when he was jeered by a section of Manchester United fans when substituted after just 33 minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in December.

Zirkzee responded by scoring the winning penalty in the FA Cup win at Arsenal a week later and despite a tough first campaign, the 24-year-old spoke of his joy playing in front of the fans at Old Trafford.

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Zirkzee used his lowest moment of the season to help him improve his performancesCredit: Getty“The Real Sociedad home game was, for me, maybe the first time I saw Old Trafford really go crazy,” Zirkzee told ManUtd.com.

“Like, no matter the situation, because they scored first and I think that was the first time we turned the game around because of the fans. They just really took us there.

“That was nice, that was really nice and everyone was fired up because of that. It is up there with one of my better performances but I think everyone in the team played really good in that game.

“You start playing with confidence and great things happen. That was a special night.”

Zirkzee admitted that whilst it hasn’t always been plain sailing with the club’s supporters, the incident in the Newcastle defeat spurred him on to work even harder.

Read More on talkSPORT“Yeah, 100 per cent, confidence and more so it gave a reason to work even harder to do ever more to not let them down,” he added.

“The least you can do is repay them with hard work.”