- Joshua Zirkzee wants to stay and fight
- Still believes in Manchester United
- Loves the club and will be difficult to lure away
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United with a lot of hype after his impressive performances with Bologna in Serie A.
The Red Devils opted to pay slightly above his €40 million release clause in 2024 for the striker, who had scored 12 goals in 37 Serie A matches in the 2023/24 season. He was expected to displace Rasmus Hojlund as the forward in the starting XI, but things have not gone as planned for the Dutchman.
He failed to make the most of his chances under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim and was linked with an exit in the January 2026 window. However, Michael Carrick’s arrival meant he stayed at the club as they looked to keep the squad intact for the remainder of the season.
Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A
Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan have been constantly linked with a move for Zirkzee. Reports in Italy suggested that the forward has been ‘discouraged and disappointed’ at Old Trafford after the limited chances this season.
The Dutchman has played just 71 matches for the Red Devils, scoring nine goals and assisting four times across all competitions. He has made just four starts in the Premier League this season and featured just six times under Carrick.
TuttoJuve reported this week that the former Bologna star was desperate to leave Old Trafford, as he wanted to play regularly. He has admitted defeat to Benjamin Sesko for the spot in the starting XI, and believes a move back to Serie A is the ideal way to go for him.
Fabrizio Romano on Zirkzee’s Future
Fabrizio Romano spoke on his YouTube channel this month, reporting that Zirkzee was not thinking about leaving Manchester United. The Italian journalist claimed that the striker still believes he can succeed at the club, as he likes the club.
“He loved being at Manchester United. He keeps believing that it’s one of the best places to be in the world. He would love to succeed at United. It’s difficult for him to break the relationship and leave because he really loves the club.”
Manchester United are yet to decide on their next permanent manager, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January. Carrick has been appointed until the end of the season, and reports suggest he could remain at the club beyond the summer.
