(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 17 May 2026 10:43, UK

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Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window as a result of his lack of playing time, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Michael Carrick and has found minutes hard to come by with Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo ahead of him.

Following the news that the interim manager’s stay is set to become permanent, there is now a growing expectation that the Netherlands international will be pushed out.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Zirkzee has failed to impress Carrick when given the opportunity.

The forward started his first game under the boss against Sunderland and made very little impact, and is now likely to leave as part of Man United’s transfer plans.

How do Man United feel about selling Joshua Zirkzee?

Former Old Trafford chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 14 May that Zirkzee has no future at Man United and will be allowed to move on.

His lack of minutes have forced the striker to consider his options, having missed out on a move in January when United opted to keep him as squad depth.

A number of clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, and could be placed on alert as Man United are now prepared to let him go.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, as you mentioned, he has struggled for minutes under Michael Carrick especially.

“He made his first start under Carrick in last weekend’s goalless draw against Sunderland and struggled to make his mark in that game.

“That was his chance to impress Carrick. He didn’t really take it, so he has failed to impress really under the interim manager.

“He came close to leaving in January, there was interest in Zirkzee then, but United couldn’t allow him to leave with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad [Diallo] away at AFCON.

“If United can recoup a good fee for him, it’s something that they might be open to because it will boost their own transfer kitty to maybe strengthen their squad elsewhere.”

Which clubs could make a move to sign Zirkzee?

Despite having struggled to make an impact at Man United since his arrival in 2024, a number of clubs are believed to be prepared to hand him an exit route.

His likely availability has now put a number of those clubs on alert, with interest brewing both in the Premier League and from club in Serie A.

Brown told Football Insider on 12 May that Everton are considering a move to sign Zirkzee, having originally looked at him during the January transfer window.

The Toffees are looking to sign a new striker in the summer as they aim to bolster Moyes’ squad, with the attacking areas seen as a potential position of concern.

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