Man United can finally end serious problem with £30m transfer as Joshua Zirkzee point made

Antonee Robinson
-Credit: (Image: Visionhaus)


Manchester United continued their impressive upturn in performances on Saturday but failed to break down Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Erik ten Hag's men had plenty of chances against winless Palace with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes missing in the first-half. In the second-half, Andre Onana was on hand to deny Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze.

United are now 11th in the Premier League table on seven points. This week, they kick-off their Europa League campaign against FC Twente before taking on Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday.

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MEN Sport takes a look at some of the latest United news and gossip that have emerged over the last 24 hours.

January transfer battle with Liverpool

Man United and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. According to The Sun, United are keen on bringing in the USMNT international having had problems with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the past.

However, fierce rivals Liverpool are also showing interest and see Robinson as cover and long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson. The Scotland international was hampered by injuries last season.

It's said that Fulham value him at £30m and he could be one of United's priorities next summer.

MEN Sport says: "Robinson is one of the full-backs in the Premier League that is destined for a move to a big club. His performances at Fulham have been impressive and his attack-like nature make him an attractive option.

"United's issues at left-back are well documented. Shaw's injury problems and Malacia's long-term absence means Ten Hag has been forced to adapt in the position. Beating Liverpool to the signing of Robinson would be the perfect start to next summer."

Zirkzee point made after draw

Former England and Juventus manager Fabio Capello has claimed that Thiago Motta is finding it difficult in his new job without Joshua Zirkzee. The two worked together at Bologna last season to help the team qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Zirkzee joined United in the summer with Motta moving to Juventus. However, in Turin, the former midfielder has Dusan Vlahovic at his disposal. The Serbia international has scored in just one of the first five games of the season and was pulled off at half-time.

Speaking on La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello said: "Vlahovic is not Zirkzee, he is a penalty-box bomber and not an exceptional maneuverer.

"So Thiago tried Weah as a striker, but then he found himself without men in the box when Napoli dropped back and he had to make the difference in the last sixteen meters on the crosses that rained down in the middle. The Bianconeri are still too slow in circulating the ball and have little quality in the final third.”

MEN Sport says: "Zirkzee has impressed in the first five games of the season. Despite only managing one goal, the Netherlands striker has adapted to English football well.

"Vlahovic is a better goalscorer but he's not as suited to Motta's system so the comparisons are harsh. But United will only be concerned about Zirkzee and his desire to impress in England. If Capello, one of the most respected coaches in the game, is speaking highly of your tactical understanding, you must be doing something right."