Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha respond to Joshua Zirkzee amid Man United exit links
Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha are among the Man United players that have reacted to Joshua Zirkzee on social media amid rumours of him potentially leaving Old Trafford soon.
Zirkzee joined United last summer from Bologna for £36.5million [Sky Sports], but massively struggled to make his mark in his maiden campaign amid their struggles under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
The Netherlands international forward netted just seven goals in 49 appearances last term, while he only managed to make 14 league starts as United finished in a lowly 15th position.
Talk of him possibly being set to depart this summer after just a year with the Red Devils has been rife, especially with United signing Wolves star Cunha last month and also closing in on capturing prolific Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
Football Insider recently revealed that Inter Milan are lining up a swoop for Zirkzee, as he has previously impressed in the Serie A, and he could well be on his way out of Old Trafford soon.
Zirkzee shares pre-season training update
Despite those exit links, Zirkzee has reported for the first week of the Red Devils’ pre-season training over the last few days, and he took to Instagram to post two pictures of him at United’s Carrington base on Tuesday (8 July), but chose to leave the update caption-less, in a potential nod to the fact that he is going to let his feet do the talking in the new season.
The 24-year-old’s teammates are clearly bullish about his chances of a revival in 2025/26, with United captain Fernandes replying: “My man they ain’t ready for you” with a fire emoji, while Cunha commented: “Josh” with a kissing emoji and Matthijs De Ligt simply left a red heart emoji in response.
Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot all also liked his post.
United are more likely to sell Hojlund over Zirkzee
Football Insider verdict
Neither Hojlund nor Zirkzee impressed in a red shirt last term, and both are probably up for sale for the right price this summer, yet it does feel more likely that the former departs due to his struggles last season.
Hojlund also faltered in front of goal in 2024/25, but that was his second season at Old Trafford compared to Zirkzee’s first, and the Dane is now entering his third campaign with the Red Devils having only scored 26 times in 95 appearances.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 52 | 10 | 4 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 49 | 7 | 3 |
Napoli have been linked with a move for Hojlund this summer, and Football Insider revealed on 4 July that his sale holds the key for United making a move for Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, has also failed to impress, but may well suit Amorim’s style more as a versatile player that can also feature in-behind an out-and-out striker, where Hojlund can only play up-front, so it does look more likely that he will leave instead of the Dutchman this summer.