Hamstrung Zirkzee out for rest of season
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed Joshua Zirkzee will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Zirkzee limped out of United's crushing 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United, being replaced by Rasmus Hojlund early in the second half.
The 23 year-old has struggled for form since arriving from Bologna in pre-season, only scoring three goals in 32 Premier League appearances, and seven in all competitions.
However, Zirkzee has appeared in 31 of United's 32 games under Amorim. Nobody has played in all 32, with Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Hojlund also featuring in 31.
Only Fernandes (12) has scored more goals for United than Zirkzee's six since Amorim took charge in November, despite 16 of the forward's appearances coming off the bench.
But on the eve of the second leg of United's Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon, Amorim confirmed the Red Devils must do without the Dutchman until 2025-2026.
"Joshua is out for the season. He will not play more this season, let's prepare him for the next one," he said. "It is tough for him, especially in this moment. He is improving in all aspects and it is hard for any player to stop."
The Europa League represents the only chance for United to salvage silverware – as well as European qualification – from their dismal campaign.
While Amorim knows returning to the Champions League would be important for the club's finances, he also recognises it would mean a speedy upturn is needed.
"I think it is more about the budget. That is important when you are planning for the next season, Champions League can change everything.
"But you can see it both ways. In the Champions League it is tough to play against top teams on Wednesday and then at the weekend in the Premier League.
"But if we don't have Champions League, we have more time to build the team."
After facing Lyon, United host Wolves in the Premier League, with last week's loss at Newcastle confirming the Red Devils will finish with their lowest points tally in the competition.
