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.

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.

Ivo Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates XRG) sprinted to victory in the 138-kilometer-long Tocco da Casauria-Penne, the second stage of the Giro d’Abruzzo. Decisive was the attack at one kilometer from the finish by the Portuguese rider, who preceded Filippo Fiorelli (VF Group BardianiCSF-Faizanè) and Marco Brenner (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), who placed second and third, respectively.

Filippo Fiorelli (VF Group BardianiCSF-Faizanè) is the new white-and-blue leader’s jersey in the general classification, ahead of Alessandro Covi, who, after Tuesday’s success in Crecchio, finished fourth at the finish in Penne.

“I almost can’t believe it! After so many difficult moments and so much work for the team, I am really happy to have taken the chance today and brought home the victory – Oliveira said hot on his heels. “This stage was supposed to be for [Alessandro] Covi. With 4 km to go I told him to stay on the wheel, to try to anticipate and thus have two cards to play. He replied, “you go, no problem”.

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“When I attacked with 1.5 kilometers to go, the climb was tougher than I thought it would be – added the UAE’bishop -. In the last 500 meters I was running out of energy, but that was enough. I am very excited because, excluding prologues and national championships, I think this is my first victory on the line with the team and I am super proud of it”.

“This win is for the team, my girlfriend, my family. In this team we are very close, we work as a family. We have a lot of options. I know I have a very good fast cue and I really like finals like this one. I knew it would be difficult for the others to close in on me” concluded the stage 2 winner.