Joshua Zirkzee, season over: Ruben Amorin’s announcement.

Joshua Zirkzee’s first season in a Manchester United shirt is ending in the worst way. The Dutch striker, who arrived from Bologna last summer for more than 40 million euros, suffered a serious hamstring injury in his left knee during the last Premier League match against Newcastle. Confirming the news was coach Ruben Amorim himself in his pre-Europa League press conference, “Zirkzee will not be available for the rest of the season. He has to think about recovery and preparing for next year.”

A real mockery for the talented youngster, who was experiencing a positive moment in terms of personal growth, despite an overall complicated season for the Red Devils. Zirkzee thus ends his first year at Old Trafford with 7 goals and 3 assists in 48 total appearances, a haul perhaps lower than expected, but still indicative of a player who was finding space and confidence.

Manchester United’s season, punctuated by injuries and fluctuating performances, might only find a small light in the eventual Europa League victory. But the loss of Zirkzee at this crucial moment represents yet another tile on an already very complicated year for Amorim.

Ahead of the summer, the former Bologna man’s future remains to be written. The English club is already planning to intervene in the market again to reinforce the offensive department. And while it seems difficult to think of an immediate transfer of Zirkzee after only one year, it is not excluded that one between him and Højlund could leave Old Trafford. The return to the field, in any case, will not come until next season.