United star in talks over £31m exit

Manchester United find themselves at another crossroads with a forward whose promise has not translated into Premier League productivity. Joshua Zirkzee arrived with reputation, pedigree and the expectation that a £36.5m investment from Bologna would provide a mobile focal point for what was expected to be a new era. Instead, his story in Manchester has drifted, and January now feels less like a window and more like an escape route.

United have, according to The Metro , set their asking price as interest from Roma , Everton and West Ham gathers pace. It reflects the growing reality that the 24 year old has not found rhythm in England. His final season in Serie A brought double figures and growing acclaim, but that level has not reappeared. As the report notes, he scored just three Premier League goals last season and appears to have been frozen out by Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach has reshaped the side with a clear identity, and Zirkzee has not been part of it. The fact he is yet to start a game this season underlines the distance between player and manager.

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Roma are said to be leading the chase, and that move makes stylistic sense. Serie A suited Zirkzee, not only because of the tactical clarity but because he seemed comfortable with the tempo and technical demands. Everton and West Ham have been linked too, clubs who value forwards that combine work rate with link play, although both would be asking him to rediscover confidence in a league where he has struggled.

United, according to the Metro report, are ready to sanction a move if the numbers are right. Amorim has reportedly given the green light, and that is telling. A new manager usually wants to assess every profile before deciding, but in this case the conclusion seems already reached.

Ruud Gullit’s assessment lands with the force of a verdict. “I think from my point of view that he should have stayed in Italy, because he was really striving,” he said. “I think that as soon as he went to Manchester United , it was the wrong decision.” That sentiment, that Old Trafford has become a place where promising careers stall, will resonate with many.

Gullit added, “Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Manchester United .” It is a reminder that development relies on the right environment and the right coaching. At Bologna he had both. At United he has neither momentum nor minutes.

The Metro report also notes that if Roma fail to land Zirkzee, they may switch attention to Mathys Tel, whose move to Tottenham became permanent for £30m. That detail matters because it frames Roma’s interest as urgent rather than speculative.

The striker’s desire to revive his career before next summer’s World Cup is pivotal. He needs games and a platform. United cannot offer that. Amorim is building for the present, and Zirkzee has slipped to the margins. The club’s willingness to cash in reflects both financial pragmatism and a tacit admission that the signing has not worked.

There is also a longer term question. United must ask why attacking signings continue to fade rather than flourish. Zirkzee’s talent remains clear, and yet his trajectory at Old Trafford mirrors too many predecessors.

The reaction among football supporters to this report would be a lively mix of concern, resignation and hope. Many fans would argue that the situation feels entirely predictable. There will be frustration that another highly rated talent has hit a ceiling at Old Trafford and that yet another attacking project appears set to leave with reputation dented. Some sceptical United supporters might say this has become an all too familiar script.

Others will be more sympathetic and will insist Zirkzee simply never had a proper run in a functioning side. Amorim’s arrival reset the tactical landscape and the Dutch forward found himself pushed aside. A disappointed fan might point out that this could be the latest example of misaligned recruitment and poor squad planning.

Roma’s involvement will generate some excitement, particularly among Serie A watchers who remember his sharp, creative displays at Bologna . Many will agree with Ruud Gullit’s blunt assessment that Italy suits him better. An expectant Roma fan would see this as a smart, opportunistic January move.

There will also be a sense of concern about United’s ongoing ability to integrate forwards. Supporters of rival clubs might even feel shocked at how many forwards have arrived with promise only to fade.

For Zirkzee himself, a January switch feels necessary. If he wants to make the Netherlands squad for the World Cup, he needs minutes and confidence, and he will not get them in Manchester. For fans, the dominant feeling is that this move makes sense for all parties and should happen swiftly.