Man United have shock potential pathway to complete £62m first Ruben Amorim transfer

Joshua Zirkzee managed another unwanted milestone during Manchester United's 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

For the first time since debuting - and scoring - on the opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham, the summer signing did not feature despite being named on the substitutes bench by Ruben Amorim. The only other occasion that has happened was in the Community Shield against Manchester City, with then-manager Erik ten Hag citing afterwards that the player needed time to adjust, explaining they must be careful and patient with their new signing.

That day at Wembley Stadium must now feel like a long time ago for Zirkzee. The anticipation about his arrival from Bologna is no more.

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Instead, that has made way for rumours about a return to Italy as soon as January, with several Serie A sides said to be showing interest. Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino claims that it is reciprocal from United, who are reportedly willing to offer Zirkzee to Napoli as part of a potential deal to sign Victor Osimhen.

TUTTOmercatoWEB reports clubs can exercise a £62million (€75m) release clause in the new year despite the Nigeria international being on loan at Galatasaray. However, TMW acknowledges that the player's wages, which are reportedly £160,000 per week after tax, could prevent clubs from meeting that price.

United could present that alternative option, meaning they only have to pay Napoli half of what the club wants for Osimhem. Zirkzee, whom they paid £36.5m (€42.5m) for in the summer, would make up the difference.

The move would make sense for the Reds, with Zirkzee falling out of favour under Ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and now seemingly Amorim. A move could also serve the player if it leads to increased opportunities in a league more suited to him at this stage of his career.

However, United have potentially inadvertently hindered the chances of that happening, as the Serie A leaders have Scott McTominay occupying the position Zirkzee would play. Italy international Giacomo Raspadori, who assumed that role for Antonio Conte before the Scotland international's arrival, remains at the club to deputise.

Therefore, despite reports in Italy, it's difficult to see where Zirkzee would fit in the Napoli pecking order.