Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way out at Manchester United in January
Manchester United have to make some big decisions in the coming days, and one of them could be on the future of Joshua Zirkzee. The Red Devils signed the striker from Bologna in July 2024 with a lot of expectations, but haven’t received the same results at Old Trafford in his tenure so far. Moreover, Ruben Amorim has not provided the Dutchman with ample starting minutes. At this age, Zirkzee should be pushing for a place in the starting XI, but at Manchester United, he continues to remain on the sidelines.
The Sun reports that United are open to offers for Zirkzee in the January transfer window. The Red Devils are looking for both loan and permanent offers. It makes it quite clear that there is no place for the Dutchman in the long-term plans of the club. Meanwhile, Zirkzee also attracts considerable interest from Serie A. The same report claims that Juventus and Como lead the race for his signature, while AC Milan are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.
Cesc Fabregas, who is now managing Como, could look at the Dutchman as a significant addition to their squad. Meanwhile, the Turin-based club will look at Zirkzee as a possible option with Dusan Vlahovic’s future uncertain. If Zirkzee returns to Serie A, it will provide him with the confidence to get his career back on track and also receive regular minutes, which he desperately needs at this age.
Why does a departure make sense?
Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has been shaped more by missed opportunities than progress. The 24-year-old has made just four appearances this season, all from the bench. Last year, he scored only three goals in 32 league games. In the summer, United added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, which pushed Zirkzee even further down the order. At 24, he needs minutes on the pitch, and another spell in Serie A could help him rediscover the form he had at Bologna, where he scored 11 goals in the 2023-24 campaign.
For United, moving him on would open space in the squad and could bring funds to strengthen other areas. Amorim has given no sign that the Dutchman fits into his plans, and the money spent on new forwards has left little room for him to return. Juventus, Como and AC Milan all want him. This will provide United with a chance to agree a deal in January.
While Zirkzee still hopes to prove himself at Old Trafford, the situation points to a fresh start abroad. With Matt Le Tissier urging United to consider Oliver Glasner over Gareth Southgate as Amorim’s replacement, and with Liverpool keen to trump United for Jarrad Branthwaite, the club faces several important choices. Zirkzee’s case shows that some decisions now depend less on potential and more on practicality, and January could be the right time for both sides to move on.