Joshua Zirkzee started just one of Michael Carrick's 17 games in charge last season and the Manchester United star looks to be on his way out of Old Trafford, with Juventus keen to sign him
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave Manchester United(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are in advanced talks with Juventus, who are negotiating a deal to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan with a £30million option to buy. Zirkzee, 25, finds himself out of favour at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick's appointment last season failing to change his fortunes.
Having started just one of the 17 games Carrick was in charge for, the striker missed out on making the Netherlands' 26-man squad for the World Cup. Zirkzee only scored two goals last season, his most recent coming in December against soon-to-be relegated Wolves.
After Juventus' move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani collapsed, their focus is on Zirkzee. The Sun report that Juve are leading the race to sign him, with fellow Italian giants Roma also interested.
It's understood that Zirkzee is keen on a return to Serie A. The former Bayern Munich star scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 58 games for Bologna which convinced United to shell out £36.5m to sign him in 2024.
Zirkzee was impressive in United's second pre-season friendly on Friday. He scored a superb solo goal and registered an assist as they thrashed Rosenborg 5-0 in Norway.
His departure would, though, leave United short of options at striker. Benjamin Sesko is the only senior centre forward in Carrick's squad, although they've been tipped to sign an experienced backup.
Marcus Rashford can also play in the role, having returned from a season-long loan at Barcelona. Midfield and goalkeeper are the areas in which United have done business so far, making three signings for a total of £85m.
TRONDHEIM, NORWAY - JULY 24: Shea Lacey of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the pre-season friendly match between Rosenborg and Manchester United at Lerkendal Stadion on July 24, 2026 in Trondheim, Norway. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Joshua Zirkzee scored and assisted as Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Dutch legend Ruud Gullit previously urged Zirkzee to leave Old Trafford and return to Serie A. "Joshua Zirkzee made a mistake moving to Manchester United - he should have stayed in Italy," Gullit told Gambling Insider.
"When he left Bologna, he should have gone to Juventus or AC Milan and stayed in Serie A. He arrived at United when there was a lot of bad energy around the club. It was the wrong time for him.
"There have been rumours that he could now leave United and go to Roma in the summer. I hope he makes that move, or at least join another club in Italy, because it is a much more suitable league for him."