- Zirkzee expected to depart Manchester United
- Reduced to bit-part role under Carrick
- Serie A return likely
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer. A busy summer is anticipated, potentially including offloading the Dutch attacker.
The 24-year-old joined the Red Devils from Serie A side Bologna in 2024 for £36.5m. This season, he has played 20 times for United – making just four starts and scoring two goals.
Michael Carrick’s January arrival has left Zirkzee without regular first-team football. There is a feeling that parting ways is the best solution for all parties involved.
Zirkzee Exit ‘Likely’
According to journalist Laurie Whitwell, it looks as though the Dutchman is on his way out of the club. The Talk of the Devils podcast, which regularly features Whitwell, Andy Mitten and Carl Anka, have recently broken down United’s summer window by positions.
Whitwell said: “With Champions League football next season, and the possibility of Joshua Zirkzee leaving, I think Manchester United will need a new striker. I still believe they should have gone for that experienced Premier League player.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel last week, Fabrizio Romano also indicated Zirkzee’ sdesire to leave. He said:
“Joshua Zirkzee would welcome a transfer out of Manchester United in the summer transfer window. From now to the end of the season, Zirkzee will stay as a top professional, super focused on helping Manchester United, on doing his best for Man United as he always did, but then in the summer, he’s expected to leave.
Romano added:
“There is interest from the Premier League. There are some Premier League clubs already calling to understand if there is a chance to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer transfer window, but also Italian clubs.“
Zirkzee has just over three years left on his contract with the Reds but will be eager to gain more game time at this stage of his career. He is set to miss out on a place in the Netherlands’ squad for the World Cup this summer.
Disappointing Season for Dutch Forward
Since the start of February, Zirkzee has only seen a combined 28 minutes of football. The lack of available games has not helped him, but he currently sits as third-choice in his position. Interim coach Carrick sees Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko ahead of him in the striker role.
The Dutchman was used on the right wing under Ruben Amorim in December against Wolves. This was the last time he found the net in an United shirt.
When United swooped for Zirkzee in 2024, they were also interested in Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Instead of going for a Premier League proven player, then-manager Erik ten Hag had a heavy say in players that the club purchased. United were looking for a supporting act for Rasmus Hojlund, who was earmarked as the future of the club.
Zirkzee was the first major signing of the INEOS era. United paid above his £34m release clause at the time, which allowed them to pay instalments instead of an outright fee. Even though the signing has not worked out overall, it was the first early sign of astute touches in transfer dealings by the minority owners.
Ever since winning the Serie A Young Player of the Season award, Zirkzee’s career has stagnated. His quality is still there, apparent by his tall stature, close control and hold up play which has helped slow the game down at times. However, the fast intensity of English football has left him behind.
