Romelu Lukaku's injury setback could trigger major Man United exit

Atrayo Bhattacharya

 Romelu Lukaku's injury setback could trigger major Man United exit image

Manchester United kicked off their new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. 

While the Red Devils delivered a pretty good game despite the defeat, the most shocking part of the game was when Ruben Amorim announced the lineup without a recognized striker with Mason Mount leading the lines on paper. 

Fans were surprised that both Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee were on the bench questioning the two strikers' fitness and the latter's future at Old Trafford. 

According to recent reports via Tuttosport, Napoli are preparing to launch a bid for Zirkzee following Romelu Lukaku's injury that will keep him out of action until November this year. 

The Dutchman reportedly remains the top candidate to replace Lukaku mainly due to his ability to also slot in on the flanks. 

Apart from Zirkzee, Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, AS Roma's Artem Dobvyk, and Leece's Nikola Krstovic form the shortlist made by Napoli to replace their main man upfront. 

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

As per latest reports from Italy, it is believed that Zirkzee has emerged as the top priority for Conte.

Will Man United's Zirkzee move to Serie A?

Zirkzee has missed the entirety of the preseason courtesy an injury that he picked up in April in Man United's 4-1 defeat against Newcastle

โจชัว เซิร์กเซ ในสีเสื้อของ แมนเชสเตอร์ ยูไนเต็ด

Getty Images

The Netherlands international was an unused substitute for Amorim on Sunday as they fell short against Arsenal. 

With the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Sesko, Zirzkee has fallen down the pecking order and with Rasmus Hojlund told to leave, Zirkzee is seen as a fallback option for Amorim. 

The 24-year-old appeared in 49 matches last season for United and returned with seven goals and two assists while starting in only 14 out of 32 Premier League games. 

Therefore, a move to Napoli looks extremely viable for the Dutchman, who is expected to get more chances in Lukaku's absence following a high-grade muscle injury on his left thigh. 

The Belgian may miss action for at least three months, allowing Zirkzee to be the main man for the reigning Serie A champions. 

Also, considering Zirkzee had a great experience at Bologna before moving to Manchester United mean that the youngster is well accustomed with the pace of the league and could be an immediate fix for Conte. 

Manchester United news and related links

Atrayo Bhattacharya

Atrayo Bhattacharya is a content producer for The Sporting News, working across English editions.