Manchester United 'make decision' on which striker to sell

Manchester United have reportedly made a decision on which of their two centre forwards they will keep after the summer transfer window.

Italian sports publication Corriere dello Sport have reported that United are keen to keep Joshua Zirkzee for at least another season, paving the way for Rasmus Hojlund's exit.

Hojlund endured a hugely underwhelming second term at Old Trafford after a promising maiden campaign, scoring just four Premier League goals. The arrival of Ruben Amorim did little to change the Dane's fortunes; if anything, Hojlund has gone backwards since.

The club will be reluctant to lose both centre forwards. While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo's arrival gives the club options up front, both are better in other roles and United will be keen to bring a more established centre forward to the club.

With the Red Devils not competing in European competition next season, three centre forwards would likely be unnecessary, paving the way for one to leave.

While neither Hojlund or Zirkzee impressed at Old Trafford last term, Zirkzee does have a more unique skill set. His touch and intelligence makes him a better link-up player than Hojlund who offers little if he's not scoring goals.

Corriere dello Sport reported that a season on the sidelines will only reduce Hojlund's value in 12 months' time promping the club to try and move the former Atalanta man on.

Hojlund made his name with Atalanta, scoring nine goals in 32 appearances at a respectable rate of 0.44 per 90, earning a big-money move to the Premier League, and Serie A may be where he returns to, with Inter touted as a potential destination.

Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez will remain the starting two centre forwards for Inter, but the club would like to upgrade their back up striker from Marco Arnautovic or Mehdi Taremi.

The UEFA Champions League finalists would prefer a loan move with an option to buy, though United are looking to recoup a chunk of the £62m outlay from two years ago via a £40m-£45m sale.

Liam Williams

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