Joshua Zirkzee appears closer to leaving Manchester United, and his departure would leave Michael Carrick with another decision to make before the transfer window closes.
Juventus are continuing talks with United and Zirkzee’s representatives over a return to Serie A. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that United have now opened the door to a loan, while Matteo Moretto says they would still prefer either a permanent transfer or a loan containing an obligation to buy. Zirkzee is understood to be open to joining Juventus.
Di Marzio reports that Manchester United have opened the door to a Zirkzee loan
That is a significant change. ReadManUtd reported on Wednesday that Juventus are ready to push towards completing a deal for Zirkzee after United had previously been reluctant to weaken Carrick’s attacking options.
Zirkzee exit would leave Man Utd short centrally
Benjamin Sesko remains United’s leading centre-forward, but he has yet to feature during pre-season because of a shin problem.
Bryan Mbeumo has filled the position effectively. He scored twice against Atletico Madrid and gives Carrick another option through the middle, but using him there also removes one of United’s strongest wide attackers.
That is one of the questions Carrick needs to resolve against Paris Saint-Germain. ReadManUtd’s PSG preview highlighted the decision over who should lead the Manchester United attack, with Sesko still building towards his first appearance of the summer.
Zirkzee has never established himself as a regular starter at Old Trafford. Football Italia records nine goals from 75 appearances across his first two seasons, and his previous success with Bologna makes Italy an obvious destination.
His departure would still reduce United’s numbers.
Carrick could use Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha centrally when Sesko is unavailable, but neither was recruited primarily to provide traditional centre-forward depth.
Man Utd do not need another expensive number nine
Replacing Zirkzee would not necessarily require another major transfer.
United already have a clear first choice in Sesko. What they would need is a forward prepared to compete for minutes, start cup matches and offer a different option when games require it.
That could allow United to target a less expensive or more experienced striker rather than committing another large part of the budget to the position.
The timing matters because United are also attempting to strengthen at left-back and continue assessing their midfield options.
Selling Zirkzee could create financial room. It would also create another squad vacancy that cannot simply be ignored.
For United, the Juventus talks are therefore about more than deciding Zirkzee’s future.
If he leaves, Carrick must decide whether the attacking options already at Old Trafford are enough.
