Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United was supposed to be the next step in the Dutch striker’s career. Instead, 18 months on from his arrival at Old Trafford, the transfer has done little to convince anyone that England was the right destination.
In fact, Ruud Gullit made that argument long before Zirkzee’s struggles became impossible to ignore.
The Dutch legend described the move as a “mistake” earlier this year and believes Zirkzee would have been better off remaining in Serie A after leaving Bologna.
“When he left Bologna, he should have gone to Juventus or AC Milan and stayed in Serie A. He arrived at United when there was a lot of bad energy around the club. It was the wrong time for him,” Gullit said.
It is difficult to argue with the outcome so far.
Joshua Zirkzee has struggled at Old Trafford
Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for around £36.5 million after enjoying an impressive spell in Italy. There was plenty of excitement around the Netherlands international, but his numbers at Old Trafford have never really matched the expectations that arrived with his transfer.
In his first season, Joshua Zirkzee made 32 appearances but managed just three goals and one assist.
Things did not improve during the 2025/26 season as well. Zirkzee featured 24 times in the Premier League for United, scoring only twice and providing one assist.
Zirkzee has struggled to find consistency, confidence and regular minutes throughout his time at United. His situation has become even more difficult with United having several attacking options. Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all moved ahead of him in the pecking order, leaving Zirkzee facing another season in which opportunities could be limited. Marcus Rashford has also returned which has even reduced Joshua Zirkzee’s chanes under Michael Carrick.
That is where Gullit’s advice becomes relevant.
“Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Manchester United,” the former Netherlands star said back in November.
Italy could offer Zirkzee a way back
Gullit’s argument was never that Zirkzee lacked ability. Quite the opposite. He believes Serie A simply suited the forward better and would give him the regular football needed to rebuild his confidence.
There have been rumours that he could now leave United and go to Juventus before the transfer window closes. Gullit previously stressed that Serie A is more suitable league to Zirkzee’s talents.
Zirkzee is still only 24 and his spell in Italy showed there is a capable player underneath the disappointing numbers at Manchester United. The problem is that he needs games, and United may struggle to provide them.
If a loan move with a buy clause becomes available, as has recently been suggested, Zirkzee could finally get the opportunity to reset his career.
Perhaps joining United was not a mistake because Zirkzee lacked the talent. Perhaps it was simply the wrong club, at the wrong time.
And looking back at Gullit’s warning, there is certainly an argument that the Dutchman would have been better served staying in Italy.
