Joshua Zirkzee’s future has been up in the air after being given such limited time on the pitch at Manchester United this season, but the outcast has been given an answer over his future following links to other clubs.
Manchester United have 20 players on international duty, but Joshua Zirkzee is one of eight players to miss out on a call-up for their respective national teams in November.
Zirkzee has not played regular football all season, which explains why he hasn’t been selected for the Dutch national team since November 2024.
The 24-year-old has played a total of 90 minutes across all competitions this season, and he has yet to start a game in the Premier League.
Zirkzee made 49 appearances in his debut season before getting injured towards the end of the campaign. He also scored seven goals and assisted a further three, but Ruben Amorim has rarely called on him this season, which puts him at risk of missing out on the World Cup squad.
Man Utd plan to keep Joshua Zirkzee in January
Zirkzee has attracted plenty of interest ahead of the January transfer window, especially in Italy, after starring for Bologna before his 2024 transfer to Old Trafford.
Roma have been pushing for Zirkzee’s signature, but any loan move would be dependent on the health of the United first team squad.
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As previously revealed by United In Focus, The Sun claims United will not sanction a move for Zirkzee in January because injuries could boost his game time under Amorim.
The report claims Zirkzee has been told there is “no chance” of a mid-season departure from United.
Part of the reason behind this is that United will lose three players to the African Cup of Nations between December and January, such as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui.
Zirkzee has not scored a Premier League goal since December 1, 2024, which must change soon if he finds his way back into the team.
Ruben Amorim prefers to start Matheus Cunha up front in Benjamin Sesko’s absence
With Benjamin Sesko currently injured, it remains to be seen when the newly signed striker will return to full fitness.
Sesko’s injury should mean more game time for Zirkzee, but Amorim has often preferred to start Matheus Cunha as a false nine whenever he has taken Sesko out of the team.
Amorim may continue to do that if Sesko misses the game against Everton at Old Trafford next weekend.
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