- Zirkzee could stay at Manchester United
- Forward has not played regularly in 2025/26
- Subject to interest from Italy
Multiple reports this week has suggested that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is set for an Old Trafford exit this summer.
Despite being a versatile forward capable of playing in a number of positions, the Dutchman has failed to make an impression this season.
His appearances have been severely limited to Premier League cameos where he has been unable to make his mark. This season, he has played 20 times for the Reds, making just four starts and scoring two goals.
However, there has been a significant plot twist in the saga which suggests that Zirkzee could stay at the club beyond this summer.
Zirkzee Believes in Opportunities
According to the Daily Mail, Zirkzee is ‘eager’ to stay at the club and prove his worth. There are multiple factors, with the main one being that there will be a lot more football to be played in 2026/27.
United’s squad players have suffered in the second half of this season as there are not many games in the calendar. Between the Reds’ last game against Bournemouth and their next game against Leeds, there will have been a 24 day gap.
United are projected to qualify for the Champions League as long as they finish in the top five. Carrick’s side currently sit in third position, one point ahead of Aston Villa in fourth. The inconsistent form of both Liverpool and Chelsea are bonuses. However, the most important factor is that the club’s destiny is in their own hands with seven games to go.
It could mean that United’s calendar for next season has around 60 games. This season’s 40 game season is the lowest that the club have played since 1914/15.
Additionally, Zirkzee’s camp do not expect there to be more additions to the attacking force. Last summer’s spending spree saw Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha form a new look attack for the side. The bigger focus will be on replacing departures in midfield, such as Casemiro.
Ultimate Professionalism Shown in Difficult Spell
At the age of 24, Zirkzee has shown professionalism beyond his years for what has been a challenging spell at Old Trafford. Coming from Italy as the big fish in a small pond was never going to be an easy ride.
The departure of ten Hag made the possibility of succeeding at United harder. But he has not been frozen out like his teammates who formed the ‘bomb squad’ last summer.
Instead, he has quietly got on with training and accepted his place on the bench with minimal fuss. It is not what any young professional footballer wants, but his conduct has not gone unnoticed.
In December, he was even booed off by the Old Trafford crowd as he was substituted against Newcastle United. Most players would have used this as a reason to vilify the supporters in a tough period, but Zirkzee did not.
As someone with the correct physique for the Premier League, he should be afforded another season with the Red Devils.
