Joshua Zirkzee might return to Manchester United’s playing XI but January exit still possible
Manchester United find themselves in a tricky spot as Joshua Zirkzee considers his next steps, and the situation grows more tense by the week because his future could dictate the club’s plans for January.
Pete O’Rourke, who spoke to Football Insider, suggested that the coaching staff remain unsure about how long Benjamin Sesko will be out after the forward picked up an injury in the draw with Tottenham, and this uncertainty puts more strain on Zirkzee’s hesitation.
Moreover, the squad feels the pressure of a season already filled with interruptions, and Zirkzee sits at the centre of a debate about whether he should stay and fight for a consistent place.
Meanwhile, the suggestion that Sesko might miss a significant spell means that the Dutchman could receive the longer run he hasn’t had yet, and this development might persuade him to stay rather than think about leaving.
However, reports indicate that the 24-year-old has considered a move if his role remains unclear, and that possibility would push United to explore alternatives in January as they try to keep their attacking options balanced. In the end, the club wait for medical updates while Zirkzee waits for clarity, and the next few weeks could decisively shape his season.
“They’re waiting to find out the full extent of the injury sustained by Sesko in that draw against Tottenham over the weekend.
“If it is a bad injury, maybe he opens the door for Zirkzee to get a regular run of games under him, because he’s been a bit unsettled this season.
“Obviously, if Sesko is sidelined for a considerable period of time, it might mean United decide to keep Zirkzee, and he gets an extended run in the side.
“If he wants to move on, which has been suggested, it might force United into the transfer market to bring in a new option in January.
“No decision has been made just yet, they want to wait and see how serious that injury is.
“But this could be the chance for Zirkzee to make his mark on the Man United side if it turns out that Sesko is out injured for a while.”
The Red Devils have also been looking at the market for strengthening their options, as reports have claimed that Manchester United are ready to spend €120 million on both Karim Adeyemi and Angelo Stiller.
How might Ruben Amorim use the Dutchman in the absence of Sesko?
Zirkzee now reaches a moment where his choices could dictate both his season and United’s plans, and the situation feels different now that Sesko is unavailable. Zirkzee brings a calmer style as he drops into pockets, links play, and drags defenders away from their line, and this shift should provide United with a fresher rhythm in possession.
Meanwhile, his movement will open lanes for runners like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and his touch will help the team control attacks with more patience and shape. Even so, the Dutchman’s situation still feels complicated because earlier in the season, he barely played and grew fed up with waiting for chances, and this frustration pushed him to think about leaving.
However, this stretch might give him consistent minutes, and he could rebuild his confidence if United explain things to him directly. Still, if Zirkzee keeps pushing for an exit, the club holds his contract until 2029, and that dispute could escalate.