Ruben Amorim has confirmed he wants Joshua Zirkzee to stay at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window amid looming links to Juventus. Zirkzee's future at Old Trafford has plunged into uncertainty amid a mediocre start since his £36.5million summer switch from Bologna.
Exit rumours intensified after he was brutally booed and jeered off the pitch by his own fans when Amorim withdrew him in the first half of Monday's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United.
The Portuguese head coach further made his feelings about Zirkzee's performance clear by dropping him to the bench for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool.
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However, after a surprisingly encouraging display from his side earned a 2-2 draw at Anfield, Amorim made it clear that he has a role for Zirkzee, praising the Dutch striker's effort levels.
That said, the United boss left the door open for a potential exit, which will undoubtedly stir the rumour mill further heading into the second week of the window.
"I want to keep Josh [Zirkzee] because he gives everything," Amorim explained following the full-time whistle.
"He's trying in training, but we don't know; the window is open. We will see what happens."
On snowy Merseyside, Amorim recalled Bruno Fernandes after he served a one-match suspension against Newcastle last time out.
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Fernandes' inclusion meant there was no room for Zirkzee, who sat alongside attacking counterparts Alejandro Garnacho and Antony on the visitors' bench.
The 23-year-old offered a thankful wave as supportive travelling fans serenaded him to a chant in the tune of 'Seven Nation Army' while he warmed up in the first half.
That tune returned when Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the 86th minute, and he had a chance to conjure an unthinkable moment when he looked through on goal at the death.
However, the Netherlands international's lack of confidence showed as he instead bobbled a pass to Harry Maguire, who agonisingly blazed over before Michael Oliver blew the final whistle.
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Zirkzee has been strongly linked with a Serie A return before the January deadline, with his former manager, Thiago Motta, reportedly keen to reunite at Juventus.
Some Italian outlets even claim the United No. 11 has agreed to make the switch to Turin if the two clubs can reach an agreement in the coming weeks.
But, at least publicly, Amorim holds hope that Zirkzee will improve before the end of his first season in England.
And the sound of a loud away end at Anfield suggests he retains the support of the United supporters despite the grim scenes earlier in the week.
