Joshua Zirkzee has been a squad player at best in his near two year Manchester United career, despite a general acceptance that he’s a quality footballer.
In brief spells, Joshua Zirkzee has shown his quality for Manchester United, but he rarely backs it up or really makes a claim to be starting consistently.
During recent cameo appearances, Zirkzee has performed well, despite not really grabbing hold of a game. Which in turn means that he’s not started games.
But Zirkzee has the quality to do much more, with Andy Mitten revealing what he’s learned about the Dutchman in training.
Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee in action during a first-team Manchester United training session at the Carrington training complex in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Should Manchester United KEEP or SELL Joshua Zirkzee in summer 2026?
Joshua Zirkzee juggles the ball during a warm-up against Brighton
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee’s training performances not translating to the pitch for Manchester United
Speaking on the latest Talk of the Devils episode, Mitten discussed Zirkzee and his place in the team, revealing what he’s heard about the forward.
“I’ve been told that he trains really well, but he has to do that in games when he’s selected. He’s not been selected enough times to um to build up a bank of credit, but we’ve seen fleeting performances from him.
“Remember, he came on at Leeds. He can change the game. He does offer something that I don’t think any other player offers, but viewed over a season. That’s not going to be enough to keep him at Manchester United if you’ve got suitors.”
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Bryan Mbeumo has hailed Zirkzee’s ability in training as well, naming him as the second best trainer at the club after Bruno Fernandes.
Often, training clips show Zirkzee looking brilliant, earning his teammates applause. But this means very little if he can’t translate this into games for whatever reason.
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Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Ineos should cut losses on Joshua Zirkzee this summer
This season, Zirkzee has been the victim of United’s lack of games as it has meant rotation isn’t really needed.
Next season, Manchester United will play plenty more matches with European football, but Zirkzee might not be here to experience it.
Premier League clubs are sniffing around Zirkzee, with European candidates Everton keen on signing him. Which means it would be harsh to keep him for a third season of barely playing.
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Zirkzee is clearly not in Michael Carrick’s immediate thinking, with Chido Obi, Bryan Mbeumo and a potential returning Marcus Rashford all better number nine options in the Premier League.
The Dutchman might have found his place in a number 10 position, but even then he has multiple players ahead of him.
If Carrick stays, Zirkzee will likely be sold considering he should still bring a healthy transfer fee this summer.
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