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Football Insider

Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United's Transfer Dilemma Unfolds

Manchester United face a tough decision regarding the future of Joshua Zirkzee amidst interest from West Ham and Roma. With injuries affecting the squad and limited forward options, the Red Devils must carefully consider their next move in the January transfer window.

Joshua Zirkzee: Manchester United's Transfer Dilemma Unfolds

Manchester United have decided to delay a decision on whether to sell Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window. The striker has found minutes hard to come by this season, sitting firmly down the Old Trafford pecking order. Summer signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have been preferred as the team's No.9 by head coach Ruben Amorim.So far this season, Zirkzee has made 11 appearances for United in all competitions. However, only four of those were starts, playing 372 minutes in total, and he has scored just once, providing the equaliser in a 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace at the start of December.Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from United ever since the summer, and there has been growing speculation over a return to Serie A, where he previously thrived with Bologna.However, according to ESPN, United will now wait until the latter stages of the January window to decide whether they will sanction an exit. The Red Devils are already having to make do without attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while captain Bruno Fernandes could miss around a month of action after picking up an injury in Sunday's loss at Aston Villa. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has also been tipped to leave United in January, is also out for an unspecified time with injuries.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!With options running thin, Amorim could be forced to utilise Zirkzee more often during the next month or so. The Netherlands international enjoyed three successive starts from November into December against Everton, Palace and West Ham, but has since played only 24 minutes off the bench in United's subsequent three matches.Amorim turned to academy graduates Jack Fletcher, son of club legend Darren, and Shea Lacey during the Villa defeat, emphasising the need for the Red Devils to keep a senior option such as Zirkzee on the books. Meanwhile, United have been dealt a hefty blow in their bid to sign a new forward in January, with Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo giving preference over a £65 million move to Manchester City instead.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingESPN's report adds that West Ham and Roma are among the teams who would be interested in taking Zirkzee off of United's hands, with an initial valuation set at £30.5m. However, AC Milan have cooled their interest as they are close to finalising a deal for Hammers striker Niclas Fullkrug instead.

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The Struggles of Zirkzee at Old Trafford

Joshua Zirkzee has faced limited playing time at Manchester United, with new signings Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha preferred ahead of him by head coach Ruben Amorim. Despite making 11 appearances this season, Zirkzee has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring only once in limited opportunities.

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United's Transfer Decision

Manchester United have decided to delay a definitive decision on Zirkzee's future until later in the January transfer window. With key players like Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo sidelined, the Red Devils are facing a shortage of attacking options, potentially necessitating Zirkzee's involvement in the coming matches.

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Interest from West Ham and Roma

West Ham and Roma are among the clubs interested in signing Zirkzee from Manchester United, with an initial valuation set at £30.5m. AC Milan, who were previously linked with the striker, have shifted focus to Niclas Fullkrug of West Ham. The competition for Zirkzee's signature adds an intriguing dimension to United's decision-making process.

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Challenges in the Transfer Market

United have also faced challenges in the transfer market, with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo preferring a move to Manchester City over a potential £65 million switch to Old Trafford. This setback highlights the competitive nature of the January window and the complexity of securing new reinforcements.

Published on Dec 23, 2025