Manchester United are now actively looking for a new attacking player as doubts grow over the future of Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford.
The Dutch forward has struggled for game time this season and looks set to leave if the right move is agreed in January.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United are already scanning the market for a replacement. This comes as talks continue with AS Roma, who are pushing hard to sign Zirkzee before the window closes.
United do not want to weaken their squad mid-season, but it is clear that changes are coming in attack.
The situation around Zirkzee is now one of the key stories to watch at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee Frustrated by Limited Minutes Under Amorim
Joshua Zirkzee arrived at United with big expectations, but the season has not gone to plan for the 24-year-old.
Since the arrival of head coach Ruben Amorim, competition in attack has been fierce.
Zirkzee has found himself behind Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha in the pecking order.
Apart from a short run of games late in the year, his role has mostly been limited to appearances from the bench.
Even when key attackers like Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were away on international duty, Zirkzee still failed to nail down a regular starting spot.
That situation has left the forward frustrated and questioning his long-term future at the club.
For a player at his age, sitting on the bench week after week is far from ideal.
Zirkzee wants to play football, not just train, and that feeling has played a big part in recent transfer talks.
Roma Push for January Deal
Interest from Roma has grown quickly over the past few weeks. The Italian club are desperate to add more quality in attack and see Zirkzee as a strong option who can improve their frontline straight away.
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be a long-time admirer of the Dutchman.
The coach values mobile attackers who can link play, and Zirkzee fits that profile well.
Negotiations between United and Roma are now ongoing. The talks are focused on a loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season. Roma want to move quickly and are hopeful of completing a deal by the middle of January.
Timing could play a big role. As players return from international tournaments, United’s attacking numbers will improve.
That could make it easier for the club to allow Zirkzee to leave, but only if the right conditions are met.
United Refuses to Let Zirkzee Go Without a Replacement
Despite the progress in talks, United are not rushing into a decision. According to Romano, the club will only allow Zirkzee to leave once a replacement has been secured.
This stance makes sense. United are still fighting on several fronts and cannot afford to lose depth in attack.
The club’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, is now actively searching for a new attacker who can fit Amorim’s system.
United recently missed out on a move for Antoine Semenyo, who looks set to join Manchester City.
That setback has forced the club to widen their search and look at different profiles.
Importantly, United are not only looking for a traditional number nine. Zirkzee is a flexible forward who can play across the front line, so his replacement does not need to be an exact copy.
What matters most is versatility, work rate, and the ability to contribute goals and assists.
Why Zirkzee’s Exit Makes Sense for Both Sides
From Zirkzee’s point of view, a move away could be the best option. His career shows that he performs best when trusted with regular minutes.
At clubs like Anderlecht and Parma, he was given responsibility and responded with strong numbers.
At United, that trust has not fully materialised. With Sesko and Cunha leading the line, chances have been limited.
A move to Roma would offer him a fresh start, a new league, and a manager who clearly wants him.
For United, allowing Zirkzee to leave could also be a smart decision. If the club can bring in a player better suited to Amorim’s tactics, the squad will be stronger overall.
It would also free up wages and create space for a new attacking option.
This is not about failure. It is about fit. Sometimes a player and a club simply do not match at the right time.
What Happens Next at Old Trafford
The next few weeks will be crucial. United’s transfer activity will decide whether Zirkzee stays or goes.
If a new attacker is signed early in the window, the Dutchman’s exit will almost certainly follow.
Fans should expect movement. Romano’s update makes it clear that United are planning and do not want to be caught short.
For now, Zirkzee remains a United player, but the signs point towards a January departure. Roma are waiting. United are searching. And a decision is coming.
This situation shows how quickly things can change in football. One month can define a season, and for Joshua Zirkzee, January could define his future.
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