Joshua Zirkzee is ‘attracting some interest’ from clubs in Italy, but Manchester United are delaying any sale until Benjamin Sesko is fully fit.
That’s according to Tyrone Marshall of Manchester Evening News, who adds that an exit for Zirkzee could materialise ‘as the window progresses’.
Joshua Zirkzee: The state of play
The Dutchman has started both of United’s pre-season matches in the absence of Sesko, who missed the final three fixtures of the 2025/2026 Premier League term due to a re-aggravation of a shin injury.
Zirkzee that was cold 🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/f7lcOvj5ZF
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 25, 2026
His issue flared up after being barged off the pitch and into the advertising boards by Ibrahima Konate, which came shortly after the forward had notched his 11th league goal of the term against Liverpool.
When Sesko is match fit, he will be hoping to stake his claim for a starting spot for the season ahead, having made only six starts under Michael Carrick in the second half of the campaign.
How Zirkzee fared in 2025/2026
As for Zirkzee, he was one player who felt the detrimental impact of United having no European football and their early cup exits.
For the first time in 24 Premier League matches, Joshua Zirkzee scores for Man United! 👏
📺 @TNTSports & @DiscoveryPlusUK pic.twitter.com/e2QFTnWMkC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 30, 2025
The 25-year-old was limited to only five league starts across the entirety of the term. He made a further 19 appearances off the bench and was an unused substitute on 12 occasions, making it no surprise he’s being tipped for a move elsewhere.
Appearances Goals Assists
75 9 4
Zirkzee’s complete record in all competitions for United
Marshall’s report does state that Zirkzee won’t force a move, so the decision lies entirely in INEOS’ hands.
The Reds shelled out £36.9 million to bring the attacker in from Bologna in 2024, and a return to Serie A now looks like his most concrete option to revive his career.
He is tied to Old Trafford until June 2029, with United holding a 12-month option to keep him until 2030.
More Stories / Latest News
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS group, look on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madridlooks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at the Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Brighton, England
Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.
View all posts
Recommended for you