Sources close to Joshua Zirkzee reveal behind-the-scenes exit update at Man United
Joshua Zirkzee faces an extremely uncertain future ahead of the January transfer window, as Ruben Amorim continues to use him sparingly.
Football Insider understands that AS Roma lead the race for Zirkzee’s signature, with just days until the transfer window swings open, though Premier League teams will also be keeping tabs.
The striker has just 363 Premier League minutes to his name so far this season, scoring his only goal of the 2025-26 campaign in Man United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the end of November.
However, it must be pointed out that without their top goalscorer, Bryan Mbeumo, their next highest-scoring attackers are Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha on three each.
Benjamin Sesko’s arrival was greeted with a lot of excitement, but 14 games later, the Slovenian striker only has two goals and an assist to showcase.
Joshua Zirkzee may not leave Man United next month
According to the Daily Mail (23 December), nobody at Old Trafford, nor those close to the striker, has ruled anything out for the player ahead of the January transfer window.
However, sources close to Zirkzee have reiterated that it is far too soon to suggest that an exit from the Theatre of Dreams is the only possibility for next month.
The 24-year-old has come off the bench multiple times in recent weeks. Plus, Bruno Fernandes has picked up an injury, joining Kobbie Mainoo on the sidelines, while Mbeumo is away at AFCON.
Amorim is currently short of options in attacking midfield, which should open the door for the Dutchman to get more game time, and that could play a huge role in his plans for the second half of the campaign.
Ruben Amorim could turn Zirkzee’s future around at Old Trafford
The 24-year-old has looked much more like himself in recent matches, and if Amorim continues to use him in his proper position, the Red Devils might be able to get the best out of him.
Zirkzee could be tempted to stay and fight at Man United, especially given the several setbacks to other players this season, and playing him behind the striker would help unleash his proper talents.
Even before his move, he described himself as a player somewhere between the striker and attacking midfielder, but many are expecting him to be an out-and-out striker due to his previous stats.
In his last season at Bologna, he notched 12 goals and six assists, but that was because the team was built around him. Amorim makes changes to suit his flying style and fans might see a totally different player.