Ruben Amorim's plans for the January transfer window could be forced to change with one Manchester United player being linked with an exit
Mark Wakefield
13:19, 08 Oct 2025
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United
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Ruben Amorim's January plans could be impacted by a Manchester United exit(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee is considering whether to seek a move away from Manchester United this season, which could affect head coach Ruben Amorim's plans going forward. Zirkzee arrived at United in the summer of 2024 from Bologna in a deal worth up to £36.8million.
The Netherlands international has since netted seven goals across 53 appearances for the Red Devils, though he's yet to score this campaign. Amorim has not given Zirkzee a single start for United this season, with his three Premier League outings and one Carabao Cup appearance all coming from the bench.
As a result, it has been suggested that Zirkzee is reconsidering his future at Old Trafford. The Daily Mail have reported that Zirkzee is contemplating a departure from United during the January transfer window, having grown "frustrated" with his squad role this season.
The report suggests that Zirkzee is eager to secure his place in the Netherlands squad for next summer's World Cup, and therefore is looking to leave United this summer to maximise his chances of achieving that goal.
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Juventus and PSV Eindhoven are cited in the report as having previously shown interest during the summer, though it remains unclear whether either club could be a potential destination in the New Year.
There were also reports that Napoli had an interest in signing Zirkzee in the summer, before instead deciding to sign Rasmus Hojlund from United in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
United approved the departures of Marcus Rashford, Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho during the summer transfer window as they restructured their attacking options.
It's still uncertain whether Zirkzee will depart United in January or reclaim his spot in the starting eleven before the New Year. Although Zirkzee was initially signed as a striker, he frequently played in the No. 10 role last season following Amorim's arrival.
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United
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Joshua Zirkzee could push to leave Manchester United(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
However, the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with Mason Mount's impressive form, have seen Zirkzee slide down the pecking order.
It remains to be seen when Zirkzee will next be handed a start by Amorim at United, with an away trip to Liverpool to follow after the international break on October 19.
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If Zirkzee was to leave United in January, it could then prompt United and Amorim to rethink their plans for the New Year and whether or not to try and bring in a replacement for the Netherlands international.