Joshua Zirkzee has been urged to walk away from Manchester United this summer, with Ruud Gullit claiming the striker made a “mistake” by joining a club weighed down by negative momentum and warning that the Premier League move has stalled his development.
The Netherlands legend believes a return to Serie A is the clearest route for Zirkzee to revive his career, insisting the Italian game better suits the 24-year-old’s profile after a difficult spell at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s United move fails to deliver lift-off
Zirkzee arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2024 for a fee exceeding £36m, fresh from a standout season at Bologna under Thiago Motta. His blend of physical presence, link-up play and technical quality had helped Bologna clinch an unexpected Champions League place, marking him out as one of Serie A’s most intriguing forwards.
That form has not translated in England. Zirkzee has struggled for rhythm and regular starts, often appearing ill-suited to United’s shifting tactical setup. While his hold-up play has drawn occasional praise, goals have been scarce and confidence fragile. He has started just four of his 14 Premier League appearances this season and has nine goals in 65 games across all competitions since joining.
Gullit: ‘Wrong time, wrong environment’
Gullit was blunt in his assessment, arguing that the timing and context of Zirkzee’s move worked against him.
“Joshua Zirkzee made a mistake moving to Manchester United — he should have stayed in Italy,” — Ruud Gullit
Gullit suggested the striker arrived at Old Trafford during a period of instability that made progression difficult, and that remaining in Serie A would have offered a more natural pathway.
“He arrived at United when there was a lot of bad energy around the club. It was the wrong time for him,” — Ruud Gullit
Italy still viewed as best fit
The former AC Milan midfielder believes Zirkzee’s attributes are better suited to Italian football, where structure and tactical clarity can accentuate his strengths.
“When he left Bologna, he should have gone to Juventus or AC Milan and stayed in Serie A… it is a much more suitable league for him,” — Ruud Gullit
Roma have been repeatedly linked as a potential destination, and Gullit voiced his support for that route should a deal be possible.
January interest but no escape
Interest from Italy intensified during the winter window. Juventus explored a loan, AC Milan monitored the situation, and Roma appeared well placed before internal changes at United altered the landscape. Ultimately, no move materialised, with United reluctant to sanction an exit without a ready-made replacement.
That decision has left Zirkzee in limbo, with minutes still limited and pressure mounting as United attempt to climb back towards Champions League contention.
Summer decision looms
With the season entering its decisive phase, attention is turning to a summer resolution. Roma remain prominent in the conversation, keen to add a forward who can connect play and offer tactical intelligence. For Zirkzee, a return to Italy would represent a reset in a league where his style is more naturally understood.
Key Insights
- Ruud Gullit believes Zirkzee erred by joining Manchester United
- The striker has struggled for goals and starts in the Premier League
- Gullit says Serie A better suits Zirkzee’s profile
- Roma are viewed as leading contenders for a summer move
- January interest failed to produce an exit
What’s Next
Zirkzee is expected to see out the season at United, but talks around his future are likely to intensify once the campaign concludes. Much will depend on United’s summer plans and whether Roma or another Italian club can strike an agreement that satisfies all parties.
Would a return to Serie A reignite Zirkzee’s career, or should United persist and build a system that finally plays to his strengths?
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