"Manchester Evening News" published an article talking about Menu and Zirkzee's World Cup dreams.
When England and the Netherlands competed in the European Cup 18 months ago, the two Manchester United stars were dreaming of national team glory. Now, they are facing transfer difficulties in an attempt to save their World Cup dream.
Neither Menu nor Zirkzee have been called up by their respective national teams at the moment, and they have very little playing time at Manchester United.
Menu was a rising star when England reached the 2024 European Cup finals. At that time, it seemed that his core position in the midfield was already solid, whether in the club or the national team. However, less than two years later, the 20-year-old's status under Amorim has declined. He needs to leave the team in the winter transfer window and perform a series of stunning performances to have any hope of entering the consideration range of the England team coached by Tuchel.
Menu's stagnant career has confused many, and despite Amorim's words of encouragement, those words have not translated into meaningful playing time.
Despite his fringe position at Old Trafford, United are unlikely to sanction a loan move for the youngster given he remains a regular in the matchday squad.
Zirkzee's situation is similar. He represented the Netherlands as a substitute against England in the semi-finals, but it is difficult to get a chance to play as a substitute at Manchester United this season.
He received very few playing opportunities under Amorim. Even if the only center Sheshko is injured, it seems that it will not bring much playing time to the Dutch player.
He has recently been dropped from the national team squad, and with Ronald Koeman's side all but guaranteed to qualify for the World Cup, Zirkzee will have to move on if he wants to join his compatriots in North America.
But United are once again unsure whether to let the 24-year-old go, especially with Sheshko injured, even though Amorim hinted that the club may look to add options to the attacking line in January.
From the current point of view, Zirkzee and Menu are likely to continue to be outsiders.