Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United spell appears to be heading for an early end.
The Dutch forward, who joined from Bologna in the summer of 2024, is reportedly open to a winter exit after struggling for minutes under new boss Rúben Amorim.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 24-year-old has grown increasingly unhappy at Old Trafford, having played just 82 minutes across all competitions so far this season. Despite flashes of his quality, Zirkzee has slipped behind Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha in United’s attacking pecking order — a surprising fall for a player once tipped to be a central figure in Amorim’s rebuild.
United sources had hoped his versatility and link-up play would add a new dimension to their attack, but so far, opportunities have been scarce. Could January bring a fresh start elsewhere?
Zirkzee wants game time – and a new challenge
Gazzetta claim Zirkzee is “aiming to leave in winter”, with interest emerging from ambitious Serie A side Como — now bankrolled by wealthy backers and managed by Cesc Fàbregas, who is said to admire the striker’s blend of technique and strength.
Fàbregas reportedly views Zirkzee as the perfect forward to “create and hold up play” for his evolving side as they target a mid-table finish in their first top-flight campaign in decades.
“There would be a lot of disbelief among the player about the way in which he has suddenly been sidelined by Amorim.” — FootballPlace report, 8 October 2025
As FootballPlace reported earlier this month, Zirkzee was stunned by Amorim’s decision to overlook him early in the season. That frustration, coupled with a lack of game time, has fuelled speculation that both parties may agree a mid-season departure.
Zirkzee’s Manchester United record
| Stat (2025/26) | Joshua Zirkzee |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 4 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 82 |
source: sofascore match data – 15 October 2025
The numbers highlight the problem: Zirkzee simply hasn’t been on the pitch long enough to build rhythm or confidence. For a player who thrives on combination play and movement, sporadic cameos make it almost impossible to impress.
Analyst verdict – what happens next?
In my view, this feels like a transfer waiting to happen. Zirkzee is too talented to spend his peak years as a fringe option, and United need to free wages and squad space for a winger in January.
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe adds:
“If Como or another Serie A side can offer regular starts, it’s a logical move. Amorim prefers dynamic forwards like Šeško and Cunha — and Zirkzee’s hold-up game doesn’t fit that tempo. A loan with an option to buy makes sense for everyone.”
Key insights
- Zirkzee has played just 82 minutes for United this season.
- Gazzetta claim he’s “aiming to leave in winter”.
- Cesc Fàbregas wants him at Como to add creativity and strength.
- The 24-year-old feels sidelined by Amorim after high hopes last summer.
- A January exit, likely a loan with option to buy, is on the cards.
What’s next for United and Zirkzee?
Manchester United face Liverpool on 20 October, with Šeško and Cunha again expected to lead the line. Unless Zirkzee features soon, his chances of staying beyond winter look remote.
For Como, a deal could be straightforward — they can meet United’s salary demands and offer him a leading role in Serie A. This might be the fresh chapter he’s been waiting for.
👉 Should Manchester United cut their losses and let Joshua Zirkzee restart his career in Italy?
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