Time is running out in the January transfer window, but Joshua Zirkzee could leave Manchester United ahead of Monday’s deadline if talks with Serie A giants Juventus materialise.
It has been a difficult season for Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United.
While United have struggled for results on the pitch since the beginning of the campaign, Zirkzee has been regularly overlooked for a place in the team due to having a lower place in the club’s striker pecking order.
Zirkzee is behind Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo when it comes to leading the line for the Red Devils, even though the latter is not a recognised centre forward. United fans will argue that Matheus Cunha probably stands a better chance of playing that role if it were between him and the Netherlands international, too.
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The biggest reason for that is goals. Since signing for United from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee has scored just nine times in 65 appearances.
Zirkzee has not been named in a matchday squad since Michael Carrick was appointed head coach until the end of the season. He is one of a few players who could leave Old Trafford before the winter transfer window shuts.
Joshua Zirkzee juggles the ball during a warm-up against Brighton
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Juventus view Joshua Zirkzee as Randal Kolo Muani alternative
Juventus may turn to United with a tempting offer as they try to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.
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It is understood that the Italian giants want to bring Randal Kolo Muani back to Turin, but that will be a complex deal to strike with time running out for winter transfers.
Kolo Muani, who has been linked with a move to United in the past, has struggled in the Premier League, but he is on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain.
Even though Juventus CEO Damien Comolli may want to sign Kolo Muani again, that would require PSG calling him back from Spurs before immediately agreeing that he returns to Turin.
Juventus are also looking at alternative options to Kolo Muani, including United forward Zirkzee.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, United could let Zirkzee depart on a dry loan. The newspaper is convinced ‘negotiations are underway’ between the two clubs.
There is an understanding that Zirkzee would leave Old Trafford if an opportunity came his way in the coming hours or days.
There is no way he is picked for the Netherlands’ World Cup squad if he isn’t playing games regularly between now and the end of the season.
United could also decide last-minute that they want to keep Zirkzee as a backup if any of the other forward players in the squad sustain injuries.
Earlier in January, AS Roma were linked with Zirkzee, but they remain interested in the Dutchman even though a deal between the clubs now looks unlikely this month.
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When did Joshua Zirkzee last play for Man Utd?
Zirkzee’s most recent appearance for United came earlier this month.
Darren Fletcher was in charge at the time, in a caretaker capacity following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
The Scot brought Zirkzee on as a substitute as United lost 2-1 against Brighton to crash out of the FA Cup third round.
Zirkzee has not made a matchday squad since then.
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