Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United is up for debate, with the player yet to start under Rúben Amorim this season.
Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United has been anything but simple. The Dutch striker joined from Bologna under Erik ten Hag, only for the former manager to be replaced by Rúben Amorim a short time later.
At first, Zirkzee remained behind Rasmus Højlund in the striker pecking order, a situation that continued until early 2025. Just as he began to build some momentum, he picked up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United that effectively ended his campaign.
He missed United’s post-season tour in Asia and sat out the entire pre-season schedule, including all matches in the United States and at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee has yet to start a match this season and is being linked with a possible January exit, with Benjamin Šeško currently ahead of him in the squad. However, Šeško’s recent injury has sparked speculation that Zirkzee could still revive his prospects at Old Trafford.
Gasperini gives green light for Zirkzee deal
Since almost the moment Zirkzee landed at Old Trafford, he has been linked with a move back to Italy. Reports across the last 18 months have seen the Dutch striker mentioned alongside Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, and even his former club, Bologna.
However, in the last month or so, the rumours have been most intensely linked with AS Roma. According to Serie A transfer specialist Alfredo Pedulla, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has given the “green light” for the club to pursue Zirkzee.
According to the report, the 67-year-old has spoken with Roma’s directors and concluded that Zirkzee is the “ideal” player for his playing style, as his versatility allows the striker to play anywhere across the front line.
Further, it’s claimed that the player himself “would be glad to return” to the Serie A, where he won the Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season, just before his move to United.
United cannot afford to lose Zirkzee
Zirkzee is suffering from the fact that United have only been playing Premier League football so far this season, with no Carabao Cup or European fixtures to pad out playing time.
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However, with Šeško suffering from a knee injury and the form of Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha being a little hit-and-miss at times, there is a chance Zirkzee may become much-needed for Amorim in the next few months.
United play eight games in the next six weeks before the turn of the year, with midweek Premier League fixtures coming into play, which offers Zirkzee the perfect chance to reignite himself at Old Trafford.
It’s almost certain that Šeško will not be able to feature again against Everton next weekend, and after scoring a brace against David Moyes’ men last season in Manchester, the start of his resurgence could come as early as Monday evening.
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