(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 14 May 2026 9:13, UK

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Joshua Zirkzee has been told he has no future as part of Michael Carrick’s plans at Manchester United and will be allowed to move on in the summer.

The 24-year-old has been a bit-part player this season and has failed to make an impact when given a rare chance to impress under the interim manager.

Following the news that Carrick is likely to be named the next permanent manager, the forward is highly unlikely to see a change in his fortunes any time soon.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there is no shortage of interest in Zirkzee as the Red Devils look to raise funds from his sale.

Clubs both in the Premier League and abroad are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, as Man United accelerate their transfer plans under Carrick.

Could Man United cash in on Joshua Zirkzee?

Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United plan to cash in on Zirkzee and have already begun eyeing replacements in the centre-forward position.

Given the current competition from both Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, the Netherlands international has found minutes hard to come by this season.

The addition of another striker would force him even further down the pecking order, and it is now seen as extremely unlikely that he will remain next season.

“Joshua Zirkzee doesn’t have a future at Man United,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He’s clearly not a part of Michael Carrick’s plans, he prefers to use Bejmain Sesko and then Bryan Mbeumo if he’s changing things up front.

“So it’s going to be hard for Zirkzee to get any minutes next season if we expect Carrick is going to get the job on a permanent basis.

“It’s a shame because things haven’t really worked out for him, but he’s a good player and there will be clubs looking to give him a way out.

“He just doesn’t really fit the way Carrick’s side plays and I think he’s lacking in confidence a bit, so a move away might be best for everybody.”

Which club is leading the race to sign Zirkzee?

Despite what has been a frustrating spell at Man United, the striker is still highly regarded by a number of clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.

Serie A clubs including AS Roma and Como, and even the likes of Juventus and AC Milan, have been linked with moves to bring him back to Italy this summer.

However, Brown told Football Insider on 12 May that Everton are plotting a move for Zirkzee and could convince him to remain in the Premier League.

The Toffees are looking to sign a new striker in the summer as they aim to bolster David Moyes’ squad after what has been a strong season on Merseyside.

The Netherlands international’s hold-up play, work-rate and willingness to run would make him well-suited for Moyes’ plans and they could be tempted to move.