Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly considering leaving Old Trafford in the upcoming summer transfer window after a difficult season at the club.
According to a report in The Sun, the Dutch international was keen to make an away move in January, but the club have blocked his chances of leaving.
The 24-year-old striker is said to be re-evaluating his future as he seeks further opportunities to play regularly.
Man United initially hoped to keep the forward as part of their attacking rotation, but that could change once the summer window opens.
Joshua Zirkzee is struggling to settle at Manchester United
Zirksee’s time in Manchester was in stark contrast to his sensational rise in Italy.
Joined from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for £36.5m, he was initially touted as a dynamic, creative addition to United’s front line that was desperately needed.
However, the reality of his second season was extremely disappointing. He has scored just two goals in 18 appearances in the Premier League this season, with only four of those coming as starters.
The striker’s frustration reportedly reached a peak during the winter period. Former head coach Ruben Amorim was initially willing to allow the player to leave in order to free up much-needed playing time, but United bosses eventually withdrew his loan rights from Serie A powerhouses Juventus and AS Roma.
Dutch attacker wants to move to revive career
Since that disastrous exit, his path to the first team has only become more blurred.
Zirkzee fell precipitously behind natural strikers like Benjamin Sesco and versatile attacking additions like Matheus Cunha, Brian Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
Furthermore, the ongoing managerial change at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick now taking over as caretaker manager, has given Zirkzee little tactical stability.
At 24 years old, it is essential for him to play regularly in the first team and he has not been able to get that at Man United.
If Zirksee ultimately decides to leave, there could be increased interest from clubs across Europe, particularly in Serie A.
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