We're more than halfway through the January transfer window and we're yet to see any major activity at Manchester United.
Manchester United decision makers Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada
Manchester United decision-makers Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's January transfer window was always going to be quieter than a lot of their Premier League rivals'. This is, after all, the stance United have insisted they will stick by throughout.
Michael Carrick will likely have to work with the current group of players available to him for the remainder of the season. There is merit in continuing with the same group and not risking upsetting the dressing room mid-season, but United might have missed out on a golden opportunity to sell one player.
Joshua Zirkzee jumped at the chance to move to Old Trafford in 2024, and who could blame him? When the team needed an experienced goalscorer, the move did raise a few eyebrows. It soon became apparent Zirkzee was not the answer to United's goalscoring problems but, to his credit, the Dutchman continued to battle for his spot.
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After being unfairly jeered off the pitch against Newcastle little over a year ago, Zirkzee showed signs of improvement, particularly in the deeper No.10 role. However, the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have seen him drop down the pecking order for that position.
Benjamin Sesko's injury after the Tottenham draw gave him the chance to stake a claim for the striker role in the starting XI but it is clear United need an upgrade on Zirkzee. Now Ruben Amorim has gone and United are likely going to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation for the remainder of the season, Zirkzee's opportunities are going to become even more limited.
That is why it made sense for the Reds to sell Zirkzee in January, even if they were not going to sign an immediate replacement. AS Roma were keen on bringing the Dutchman in thanks to his experience in Serie A and the limited options available in the market.
Instead, the Italian club have moved on to a new target and got that deal done. Aston Villa's Donyell Malen has joined them on loan with a fee of £21.6m agreed for the summer. Roma are now highly unlikely to re-enter the race for Zirkzee this window.
Missing the chance to sell Zirkzee in January when there was a suitor keen on his services could come back to bite United. Another half season with the Dutchman rarely playing is only going to lower his price tag further.
United will likely look to sell Zirkzee in the summer but it's a job that could have been crossed off their transfer to-do list this month.