Manchester United have suffered a significant setback in their push for silverware this campaign, with head coach Ruben Amorim confirming that forward Joshua Zirkzee will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.
The Dutch striker sustained a hamstring injury during the 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, visibly distraught as he exited the pitch. With critical fixtures ahead, including the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, the Red Devils now face a difficult challenge without one of their most promising attacking options.
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Zirkzee’s Season Ends Prematurely
The Dutchman, who joined Manchester United to bolster their attacking depth, had been showing signs of improvement across multiple facets of his game. However, during the crushing defeat at St. James’ Park, Zirkzee was forced off the pitch, needing assistance from medical staff. His emotional reaction hinted at the severity of the issue, which has now been confirmed by Amorim.
“He is out for the season,” Amorim revealed during his pre-match press conference. “He will not play again this season, let’s prepare him for the next one. It is tough, he was improving in every aspect of the game. It is tough for any player but he has to be ready to recover.”
This injury marks the end of Zirkzee’s maiden season in red, one that had shown sparks of promise, development, and increasing tactical maturity.
Striker Shortage: Hojlund and Obi-Martin to Lead the Line
With Zirkzee sidelined, Manchester United are now down to just two recognised strikers—Rasmus Hojlund and teenage talent Chido Obi-Martin. Hojlund, though industrious and tactically reliable, has managed only eight goals from 41 appearances, a tally underwhelming for a club seeking European glory and domestic resurgence.
Obi-Martin, still only 17, is yet to open his scoring account for the senior team. Although the teenager has been rated highly within the academy ranks, being thrust into a high-pressure situation at such a young age could prove challenging.
The pressure on Hojlund to lead the frontline efficiently has now intensified. The coaching staff will be hoping that both strikers can rise to the occasion and provide attacking solutions in the absence of Zirkzee.
Onana Reinstated After Goalkeeping Shake-Up
Amorim also confirmed that Andre Onana will return to the starting XI for the crucial Europa League clash against Lyon. The Cameroonian international had been dropped for the Newcastle match following a poor display in the first leg against the French outfit and a public spat with Nemanja Matic, his former teammate and now a Lyon midfielder.
Altay Bayindir, who replaced Onana against Newcastle, failed to seize the opportunity, conceding four goals and raising further concerns about the club’s goalkeeping situation. Consequently, Amorim has decided to reinstate Onana as the club’s primary shot-stopper.
“Onana is ready, he had one weekend that was better for him not to play and better for Altay to play. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play,” Amorim said. “As a former player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. We have to manage players both physically and mentally.”
Injury Updates: Diallo and De Ligt Nearing Returns
While the loss of Zirkzee is a blow, Amorim delivered more optimistic updates regarding other sidelined stars. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, who missed the last three games including the first leg against Lyon, is expected to return before the season concludes. Similarly, winger Amad Diallo, recovering from an ankle problem that has ruled him out since February, could also be available before the end of the campaign.
“De Ligt will return this season. Amad is not ready for this month but we hope to have Amad for this season,” said Amorim. The coach also provided clarity on other absentees: Ayden Heaven will miss the Lyon game due to a knock suffered in training, while veteran Jonny Evans has resumed training but remains unavailable for the upcoming fixture.
Read More: Kevin De Bruyne Opens Up on Life After Manchester City: “I Want to Play On”
FAQs
Why is Joshua Zirkzee out for the rest of the season?
Joshua Zirkzee suffered a hamstring injury during Manchester United’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by Ruben Amorim.
Who will replace Joshua Zirkzee in Manchester United’s attack?
Rasmus Hojlund and 17-year-old Chido Obi-Martin will be the only available centre-forwards for the rest of the campaign.
Will Andre Onana start against Lyon in the Europa League?
Yes, Ruben Amorim confirmed that Andre Onana will return to the starting XI for the second leg against Lyon after being benched versus Newcastle.
Are any injured Manchester United players close to returning?
Yes, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are both expected to return before the end of the season, although Amad won’t be available this month.
What did Ruben Amorim say about Zirkzee’s injury?
“He is out for the season,” Amorim stated. “It is tough, he was improving in every aspect of the game… but he has to be ready to recover.”
