Joshua Zirkzee Makes Exit Intentions Clear with Strong Interest in Roma Move

By: Shawn
‎Joshua Zirkzee has informed Manchester United that he intends to leave the club, with the striker identifying his preferred next destination ahead of the January transfer window. The Dutch forward is looking to revive his chances of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, influencing his decision to pursue a move.
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Joshua Zirkzee seeks a January exit from Manchester United and identifies his preferred Serie A club as he targets more minutes and a World Cup chance.
‎Getty Images Sport 
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‎Limited playing time has shaped Zirkzee’s stance, with the forward recording only one start across all competitions this season. He joined Manchester United from Bologna as a major addition under Erik ten Hag, yet his time at Old Trafford has brought limited returns. His Premier League tally stands at three goals in 32 appearances, supplemented by two goals in 11 Europa League outings. This campaign has seen him register only 90 minutes across five appearances, including the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. Ruben Amorim has consistently selected Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko ahead of Zirkzee, reducing his opportunities to make an impact.
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‎Zirkzee’s previous spell at Bologna remains one of the stronger periods in his career, with 14 goals and nine assists in 58 matches. He is now targeting a return to Serie A, with reports indicating that he hopes to join Roma. The club’s attacking unit of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson has struggled, and Zirkzee’s interest aligns with Roma’s readiness to offer him a starting role. He is also keen to work with Gian Piero Gasperini, whose track record for developing young forwards is well regarded. With the World Cup approaching, Zirkzee aims to secure consistent minutes to strengthen his chances of being included in Ronald Koeman’s squad.
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‎Comments made by Amorim earlier in the year shed light on the expectations placed on Zirkzee. The Manchester United manager noted improvements in the striker’s aggression, defensive contributions and link-up play, adding that Zirkzee had performed effectively in different roles, including as a No. 10 against Real Sociedad and as a forward against Arsenal. Zirkzee went on to score in the Europa League meeting with Lyon, giving United an 88th-minute lead before a late equaliser from Rayan Cherki. A thigh injury then sidelined the Dutchman for several matches, and he returned in the Europa League final where United fell to Tottenham Hotspur.
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‎The limited fixtures remaining in Manchester United’s season may influence Amorim’s squad decisions when the team resumes against Everton on November 24. With striker Benjamin Sesko potentially unavailable, Zirkzee could receive another starting opportunity before the January window opens, depending on the manager’s plans.

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