- Man Utd must sell Joshua Zirkzee
- Dutch attacker has flopped
- A veteran replacement is required
Manchester United will be back competing in the UEFA Champions League next season and it’s time for Michael Carrick and INEOS to get tough with underperformers. One of those is Joshua Zirkzee who has failed to convince since arriving at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee led the line for United in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Carrick handed the Dutch attacker a chance to impress with Benjamin Sesko injured.
The 24-year-old failed to do so, stuttering with just one shot in a lacklustre showing. He lasted 65 minutes before he was hooked for Patrick Dorgu.
Man Utd must sell Zirkzee
United have made their decision and will continue with Carrick in charge for at least the next two years. He’s already been discussing recruitment with the higher-ups, and a new forward should be a priority.
Zirkzee’s struggles are hard to ignore, and he isn’t a reliable backup option when Sesko is unavailable. You can’t fault his character but his performances are unfortunately giving the Reds no choice but to offload him.
| Joshua Zirkzee (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
| Appearances | 22 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 582 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 2.47 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.34 |
| Total Shots | 22 |
| Shots on Target | 9 |
| Pass Completion % | 74.4% (174/234) |
| Chances Created | 10 |
| Dribble Success % | 62.5% (5/8) |
| Duels Won | 40 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
The final instalment of the £36.5m deal United agreed with Bologna for the Dutchman is due at the end of the season. Ironically, he might not even be at the club once the payment clears.
Should Zirkzee indeed be offloaded the attention turns to who will replace him. There are several options for INEOS to turn to.
Lewandowski among possible replacements
The first priority for United when searching for a new number nine to replace Zirkzee is ensuring they are experienced. There’s no reason to continue focusing on youth when you have Sesko as the first-choice number nine at only 22.
Some market opportunities could tempt INEOS this summer, including Robert Lewandowski, who is out of contract with Barcelona. The Pole has proven to be one of the greatest frontmen in history, and Sesko could massively benefit from learning from the 37-year-old.
Other names who could make the shortlist include former Premier League champion Jamie Vardy, 39, and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, 26. If Premier League experience is desired, the likes of Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 29, or Fulham’s Raul Jimenez, 35, could be ones to consider.
