Manchester United bounced back to winning ways on Friday when they put Newcastle to the sword 1-0 at Old Trafford with a much-changed Premier League starting XI
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim returned to winning ways against Newcastle on Friday evening. The club are now just three points behind third-placed Liverpool.
In a scrappy affair, it was Patrick Dorgu’s sumptuous volley that proved the difference when Amorim’s side hosted the Magpies. The win saw the Portuguese coach revert to a rarely-seen back four in the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes.
The starting XI was switched up on the hour mark when Leny Yoro was introduced. He entered proceedings alongside Joshua Zirkzee, who has now reportedly made a decision regarding his up-in-the-air United future. Mirror Football brings you all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee makes transfer decision
Dutchman Zirkzee only touched down in Manchester in the summer of 2024 and was the first addition secured under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Erik ten Hag was the manager upon his arrival from Bologna.
The £36.5million forward failed to make any impact under Ten Hag and with Amorim in charge, he has been limited to appearances off the bench. He has mustered only a single assist so far this season.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes made his feelings clear as former player targeted for transfer returnREAD MORE: Christian Eriksen makes Ruben Amorim claim after ‘worst Man Utd’ admission
With new forwards purchased in the summer, Zirkzee’s name began to be linked with a transfer away, though nothing materialised. With the January window soon open, those same rumours are persisting and new reports suggest he has made up his mind regarding his future.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has reportedly agreed to a move to Roma. The Italian side have long been mooted as potential suitors for the Dutchman.
Zirkzee has now supposedly met with Roma’s sporting director Ricky Massara and has been assured by boss Gian Piero Gasparini that he will fit into their system. The report states that a move is expected to be complete by mid-January.
New long-term deal penned
With the men’s team seemingly braced for Zirkzee’s exit, the women’s team has been handed a boost. Japanese midfielder Hinata Miyazawa has signed a new contract with United that will keep her at the club until 2029.
Miyazawa arrived in Manchester two years ago and helped the club lift the Women’s FA Cup during the 2023/24 season. She is also a regular for her national side.
Director of Women’s Football at United Matt Johnson expressed: “We are really excited to have Hinata extend her time at Manchester United.
“She has become a critical component to the way we play. Her footballing intelligence and technical ability enables her and the team to control and dictate play from central areas.”
United’s Miyazawa stated: “I am really enjoying playing football at Manchester United and I am really happy to be continuing my journey here.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
