Man United delay Joshua Zirkzee exit decision amid injury and AFCON

Manchester United are set to delay any decision on Joshua Zirkzee’s future until later in the January transfer window, with sources indicating Ruben Amorim’s already-thin squad has forced a rethink.

According to ESPN, United had been open to listening to offers for the Dutch striker, but a mounting injury list and multiple Africa Cup of Nations departures have made an early exit increasingly unlikely.

Amorim’s options have been severely reduced in recent weeks. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui have all departed for AFCON duty, while injuries have sidelined several senior figures.

United are currently without Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo — absences that were felt acutely during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

The situation forced Ruben Amorim to hand senior debuts to 18-year-olds Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, while defender Lisandro Martínez was deployed as an emergency midfielder in the second half.

Given those circumstances, United are reluctant to weaken their squad further in the early stages of the window.

Despite limited game time this season, Joshua Zirkzee continues to attract interest across Europe.

West Ham United and AS Roma are among the clubs monitoring his situation, while AC Milan also considered a move before switching focus to West Ham striker Niclas Füllkrug.

Sources indicate United have yet to receive any formal club-to-club contact, but Zirkzee — valued at around £30.5m — is expected to explore any offers that arrive later in January.

At 24, Zirkzee is acutely aware that regular football is crucial if he is to force his way into the Netherlands squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

While he has struggled for consistent starts, United have made it clear to the player and his representatives that he remains an important part of Amorim’s squad — even if not always a guaranteed starter.

That message, combined with United’s current injury crisis, has pushed any definitive decision on his future back.

Alongside outgoing discussions, United remain active in the market. The club are still in the race for Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause valid for the first 10 days of the January window.

The Bournemouth winger is also attracting interest from Manchester City, with clubs waiting for the player to signal his preference before making formal approaches. Although the clause becomes active again in the summer at a lower fee, there is a growing sense Semenyo could move next month.

United are expected to reassess Zirkzee’s situation deeper into January, once injured players begin returning and AFCON absences are clearer.

If squad numbers stabilise, United may become more open to a sale — but for now, Amorim’s priority is maintaining depth during a demanding run of fixtures. Any movement is likely to hinge on incoming business as much as outgoing interest.

Should United hold on to Zirkzee until the summer — or cash in if the right offer arrives?