£43m Man United star urged to leave club in January deal | OneFootball

Joshua Zirkzee’s Uncertain Manchester United Future Amid Amorim’s Tactical Dilemma

Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United is turning into one of the more curious stories of the post-Ten Hag era. Signed for £43 million from Bologna in the summer of 2024, the Netherlands international was billed as a forward with flair, intelligence and versatility. Yet under Ruben Amorim, the 24-year-old seems to have become a player in search of a position, and a purpose.

Confusion Over Zirkzee’s Role

As reported by TeamTalk, Amorim “does not know the role for Joshua Zirkzee in his team,” with the Portuguese coach’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system offering little room for improvisation. Despite Benjamin Sesko’s injury, Matheus Cunha is expected to fill the striker role, leaving Zirkzee fighting for minutes.

His self-described “9.5” identity, explained in The Mirror interview last year, adds to the uncertainty. “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team. I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5!” That creative self-awareness was part of what made him a standout in Serie A, but it may be what limits his fit in Amorim’s rigid structure.

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Possible January Exit on the Cards

Transfer insider Dean Jones told TeamTalk that United could sanction a move if Roma or another suitor commits to a permanent transfer clause. “If Roma truly show a willingness to take Zirkzee on a permanent deal, then that is pretty much the only way you start to get Man Utd interested in letting him out,” said Jones.

The club reportedly view a “dry loan” as pointless, preferring a loan with either an option or obligation to buy. That stance shows United’s growing desire to reshape the squad under Amorim’s vision, focusing on tactical cohesion rather than individual talent. Still, Jones noted that “Zirkzee should get a chance this weekend” against Everton, with the forward “expecting to get minutes.”

Gullit’s Honest Verdict

Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit was blunt in his recent comments to Metro, insisting Zirkzee’s transfer was “the wrong decision.” He added: “I think from my point of view that he should have stayed in Italy, because he was really striving. He was really doing well at Bologna, and I was hoping that he would go to Milan.”

Gullit’s criticism touches a nerve at Old Trafford, where several players have struggled to adapt following expensive moves. “I mean, for a lot of players, moving to Manchester United has been the wrong decision,” he added. “Go back to Italy on loan if you can. Just play football.”

Can Zirkzee Still Prove a Point?

Despite the doubts, Zirkzee’s attitude has impressed insiders. As Jones revealed, “I think Zirkzee has acted very professionally so far, and even right now, he will focus on doing well for Man Utd and would love to prove a point by getting among the goals when he gets the chance.”

His technical quality is unquestionable, but Amorim’s tactical clarity means only consistent end product can justify inclusion. With United slowly finding rhythm under their manager’s system, every minute Zirkzee plays could be decisive in shaping his Premier League future.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this situation feels like another classic case of the club’s recruitment getting ahead of its tactics. Ruben Amorim’s system is clear, disciplined and built on roles rather than improvisation. Joshua Zirkzee, for all his talent, thrives in freedom. It feels like he’s been dropped into the wrong puzzle.

Supporters still remember his exciting start at Bologna, where his link play and technical control made him look like the next big Dutch export. But United’s environment demands adaptation above expression. The 3-4-2-1 under Amorim doesn’t naturally accommodate a “9.5.”

There’s also a growing belief that the club should focus on strikers who fit Amorim’s pressing and vertical attacking model, not just those with flair. Fans appreciate Zirkzee’s professionalism, yet many would back a sale if it funds players aligned with the manager’s system.

That said, Zirkzee still has admirers. Some United fans think he could become a valuable asset if given a proper run of games. His intelligence and movement might offer something different against defensive sides. A strong showing against Everton could shift the narrative, but if it doesn’t, Italy seems the logical route back to form and confidence.