---
title: "Man Utd make Joshua Zirkzee stance clear as deadline looms"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/01/joshua-zirkzee-man-utd-transfer-deadline-stance/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2026-09-01T10:35:44Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T19:40:35Z"
---

# Man Utd make Joshua Zirkzee stance clear as deadline looms

**[Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/tag/manchester-united/) are comfortable with [Joshua Zirkzee](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/27/man-utd-receive-e5m-joshua-zirkzee-bid-as-fiorentina-advance-talks/) remaining at Old Trafford beyond Tuesday’s transfer deadline despite continued uncertainty over the forward’s future.**

Zirkzee has attracted significant interest from Serie A during the closing stages of the window, with Fiorentina previously submitting an official proposal and Juventus continuing to explore a deal.

However, [Samuel Luckhurst reports that United are comfortable with the possibility of keeping Zirkzee](https://x.com/samuelluckhurst), citing both his usefulness as a squad player and his popularity within [Michael Carrick](https://readmanutd.com/tag/michael-carrick/)‘s dressing room.

> [#mufc](https://x.com/hashtag/mufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) comfortable with possibility of Zirkzee staying, given squad player function and popularity among teammates. Has nine goals in 75 games and only started once under Carrick.\
> Inability to sell/loan Rashford or Zirkzee has effectively blocked a new forward coming in.
>
> — Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) [September 1, 2026](https://x.com/samuelluckhurst/status/2094730984960725434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Man Utd under no pressure to sell Joshua Zirkzee

The latest stance is significant because United do not appear to view Zirkzee’s departure as essential deadline-day business.

The 25-year-old gives Carrick another central attacking option behind Benjamin Sesko and can also operate deeper as a No.10.

United’s official profile describes Zirkzee as comfortable playing in either role, giving Carrick a different option to the more traditional centre-forward profile offered by Sesko.

That makes keeping him entirely viable if United do not receive a proposal they consider worthwhile.

[Sky Sports had already reported that United were increasingly likely to retain Zirkzee](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13574173/premier-league-summer-transfer-window-what-your-club-still-needs-to-do-in-the-week-before-deadline-day?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with the club not under pressure to force another attacking departure.

It represents another shift in a transfer saga that has changed repeatedly during August.

[ReadManUtd reported last week that Fiorentina had submitted a €5million loan proposal](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/27/man-utd-receive-e5m-joshua-zirkzee-bid-as-fiorentina-advance-talks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), but that route has since cooled.

## Juventus interest keeps Zirkzee future open

Zirkzee cannot yet be described as certain to stay.

Reports in Italy and England continue to link Juventus with a deadline-day move, with [The Times reporting that a season-long loan containing a potential future purchase is being discussed](https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/man-united-forward-joshua-zirkzee-loan-transfer-juventus-jzgln8qxk?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

That means there remains time for his situation to change before the English transfer window closes at **11pm BST**.

But United’s position changes the negotiating dynamic.

Carrick does not appear to need Zirkzee removed from the squad at any cost, and [ReadManUtd has previously looked at how another striker signing would depend on the Dutchman leaving](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/28/man-utd-offered-jean-philippe-mateta-as-zirkzee-exit-gathers-pace/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Unless Juventus or another club presents terms that satisfy United, keeping a popular and versatile squad player appears to be a perfectly acceptable outcome.