Joshua Zirkzee’s career could reportedly take another interesting turn at Manchester United amid interest from Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli in recent months.
The 24-year-old Dutch forward has only made four Premier League appearances under Michael Carrick after the Manchester United legend returned to the club.
All four of Joshua Zirkzee’s performances under Michael Carrick have come from the bench amid his struggles at Old Trafford during the 2025-26 Premier League season.
However, the Netherlands international had already fallen down the pecking order earlier in the campaign under former Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim.
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Joshua Zirkzee arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford 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?
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Juventus and Napoli-linked Joshua Zirkzee could be kept at Man Utd beyond the summer transfer window
Joshua Zirkzee faces a tall order of representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup after his limited Manchester United first-team opportunities this season.
The struggling Man Utd striker has been linked with an exit from Old Trafford and a return to Italy and the Serie A had been tipped during the January transfer window.
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According to Flashscore, Zirkzee’s future at the Premier League club is now ‘largely in his own hands’ amid Napoli and Juventus showing a keen interest in him.
It has been reported that United could ‘consider offers’ for Zirkzee if the former Bologna forward made the decision to force a move away from Old Trafford.
However, there is a ‘growing expectation’ at the Red Devils that the Netherlands and United forward could be ‘prepared to fight for his place again’ in the squad.
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Credit where it’s due, Joshua Zirkzee played well when he came on
Should Zirkzee be in line for a start any time soon?
Joshua Zirkzee reacts after his shot is saved by Aaron Ramsdale during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
The perception around Man Utd and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee amid his difficult season
Flashscore reported that Zirkzee, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2024, has been ‘viewed as a reliable, low-maintenance presence’ at the Premier League club.
The publication added that Zirkzee maintained his professionalism amid his ‘reduced role,’ while the striker is ‘well regarded’ among his peers in the dressing room.
It is believed that Zirkzee could find his opportunities increase in the 2026-27 campaign if Man Utd can secure a return to Champions League football.
Zirkzee, who is under contract with United until 2029, has made 20 appearances across all competitions and has netted twice and registered one assist so far.
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