Zirkzee plans United stay despite reduced role

Joshua Zirkzee intends to remain at Manchester United until the end of the season, despite falling further down the club’s attacking hierarchy and renewed transfer interest from Italy.

The 24-year-old forward has been linked with a January return to Serie A, with Roma among the clubs monitoring his situation.

However, SunSport reports that both the player and Manchester United have taken a firm stance against a mid-season move, with the club unwilling to approve departures from the senior squad during the winter window.

Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna for £36.5 million in July 2024, has also communicated his desire to continue at Old Trafford beyond Monday’s transfer deadline, even as his first-team involvement remains limited.

United block January exit

Sources close to the situation indicate that United have consistently told Zirkzee’s representatives there is “no chance” of a January transfer.

The club are keen to maintain squad depth for the second half of the campaign and have already rejected requests from other senior players seeking winter exits.

Zirkzee has missed United’s last two matches through injury but returned to training this week and is expected to be available for selection when Fulham visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Head coach Michael Carrick downplayed any speculation around the striker’s future, insisting the focus remains on football matters.

“I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit and get back around the group,” Carrick said. “It’s been great to have him back training yesterday with the group for the first time. That’s literally as far as it goes for me and for Josh.”

Competition limits opportunities

On the pitch, Zirkzee’s pathway into the starting XI has narrowed. He has made four Premier League starts this season, scoring against Crystal Palace and Wolves, but United’s most convincing performances have come without a recognised No.9.

Benjamin Šeško, signed in the summer, has often started on the bench, while Bryan Mbeumo has led the line under Carrick, scoring in consecutive matches.

Zirkzee, originally recruited as a central striker to offer an alternative to Rasmus Højlund, is now viewed as more effective in a deeper, supporting role.

With United expected to pursue a specialist striker in the summer, Zirkzee’s long-term future remains uncertain.