Joshua Zirkzee continues to cut a frustrated figure at Manchester United
Manchester United face another tricky situation with one of their young forwards. Joshua Zirkzee has barely started his season. Rumours about his January exit keep growing stronger. The Dutch attacker feels frustrated because he is not getting enough playing time. This problem continues as new attacking options have arrived at the club.
The 24-year-old showed promise under Ruben Amorim at the end of last season. Zirkzee played 21 straight league matches and often took the number 10 role. However, this campaign looks very different. He has made only four appearances, all as a substitute. The Dutchman has played just 82 minutes in the Premier League.
Ben Jacobs, reporting via GiveMeSport, said that Zirkzee might ask for a loan move in January to get regular football before the World Cup. Amorim still wants him to stay because he believes in his long-term potential. Yet, the situation keeps slipping out of the manager’s control. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo have joined the squad and reduced Zirkzee’s chances of regular football.
Jacobs added that PSV want to sign him on loan. Napoli once showed interest but dropped it after signing Rasmus Hojlund. United refuse to let him leave permanently unless they recover most of the £43 million they spent on him. This situation traps Zirkzee between ambition and lack of opportunity. He needs regular football to regain his form and confidence.
Joshua Zirkzee continues to cut a frustrated figure at Manchester United.
Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave Manchester United
“Joshua Zirkzee is prepared to leave Manchester United in January, even though Ruben Amorim wants him to stay.
“Zirkzee is starting to get worried about his World Cup chances; game time is limited, Benjamin Sesko has arrived, Matheus Cunha can also play as a nine, and so Zirkzee, like Kobbie Mainoo, could now ask for a loan move to get minutes with the World Cup in mind.
“For January, keep an eye on PSV, because I’m told that they’re open to a loan deal. Napoli were interested – past tense because they’ve now added Rasmus Hojlund – so it’s very unlikely, if not impossible, that they’ll return.
“Manchester United are reluctant to sanction an exit, and, if it were to be a permanent sale, it wouldn’t be entertained whether [that’s in] January or the summer unless Manchester United could do better than a book loss, and they paid £43 million for him. I think it’s going to be difficult for Zirkzee to get a move away.”
Why Manchester United Should Let Zirkzee Leave?
If United let Zirkzee leave in January, it makes sense for everyone. A loan deal will help him find rhythm and keep his World Cup hopes alive. It also eases competition in United’s crowded attack. Amorim’s arrival gave Zirkzee hope at first, but Mason Mount has earned his confidence, and new arrivals have taken over the attacking roles. So, the Dutchman’s path in the first team keeps narrowing. If he keeps on staying at Old Trafford, it will hurt his progress and damage his chances with the Netherlands squad.
Manchester United can use his exit to balance the squad and recover part of their investment. Allowing him to go shows practical thinking instead of emotional attachment. Meanwhile,Bayern Munich are targeting Manchester United’s transfer target Mike Maignan as a possible replacement for Manuel Neuer. On the other hand, Napoli are eyeing Kobbie Mainoo while his future at United remains uncertain. The club faces several big decisions this season. Zirkzee’s case looks simpler in comparison. If the Red Devils give him a transfer, it will help him play regularly and prove himself again. Meanwhile, United can focus on keeping stability in a team already full of attacking options.