Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is being encouraged to return to Italy.
After two seasons at Manchester United, it is quite apparent that the Joshua Zirkzee experiment has not worked out.
Zirkzee is yet to start a game under Michael Carrick, and with only eight matches remaining this season, there is a strong chance he won’t.
Former Serie A winner Luciano Marangon, a champion with Verona in 1985, believes Zirkzee could have his pick of clubs if he returns to Italy.
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Describe that finish from Joshua Zirkzee in one word…⚽️🔥
Joshua Zirkzee may need Serie A return
Joshua Zirkzee scored for Manchester United against Crystal Palace at the end of November in a 2-1 victory.
Despite subsequent departures to AFCON, Zirkzee was not rewarded with a run of starts, and his game time has been inconsistent.
He is not expected to be part of the Netherlands World Cup squad, having failed to earn a call-up in any international break this season. Ronald Koeman has pointed to his lack of regular game time at club level.
More United News
Luciano Marangon told TMW that he cannot really explain Zirkzee’s lack of fortune at United, but believes he can be a top contributor in Serie A.
He said: “I’d see him at any top team. I wonder why at Manchester United, even when he was able to play, he wasn’t able to make a difference.
“Even now that the team has recovered, he’s remained on the sidelines.
“I don’t know if it’s a character issue, since I don’t know him personally, but what he did in Bologna was top-notch.”
Zirkzee’s performances for Bologna earned a £36 million move to Manchester United in 2024.
This season he has been unlucky due to the club’s lack of European football, reducing the chances to rotate. He also missed pre-season with an injury.
Zirkzee has shown flashes of quality in recent substitute appearances. But with Benjamin Sesko omitted from the line-up vs Villa, Zirkzee has fallen further down the queue.
What’s your biggest worry for Michael Carrick right now?
Team selections? Recent results? Something else you just don't feel right about? Let everyone know!
Michael Carrick looks on prior to 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
Joshua Zirkzee: What we expect
We expect there to be regular interest from Italian sides in Joshua Zirkzee entering the transfer window.
However, we are sceptical any club will pay Manchester United a fair fee for the Dutchman this summer.
The most likely outcome is a loan deal with an obligation to buy, similar to Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Napoli.
United would need to sign a replacement, as it looks like there is a strong chance we will be playing Champions League football next season.
If no club makes a decent offer for Zirkzee, United will simply keep him.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox