Blow for Carrick as unwanted Man Utd star could be set to stay following transfer U-turn

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Utd Report

·24 August 2026

Blow for Carrick as unwanted Man Utd star could be set to stay following transfer U-turn

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee could end up staying at Carrington as Juventus make changes to their transfer plans.

The 25-year-old was rarely used last season, whether during the first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim or following Michael Carrick’s January arrival.

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Some suggested his playing time would improve this season thanks to the extended schedule and the return to the Champions League, but the early signs are far from encouraging.

Juventus no longer prioritising a move for Joshua Zirkzee

On the opening day of the Premier League season, Zirkzee was left out of the starting lineup against Hull City, even when Benjamin Sesko wasn’t fit enough for a starting role. Carrick preferred to convert Matheus Cunha into a centre-forward, supported by Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo on the wings.

To add insult to injury, the former Bologna star was left on the bench for the duration on the bench, even though United were desperate for goals that never came.

Therefore, the writing is on the wall for Zirkzee, who is clearly unpopular with Man Utd’s current technical staff.

In recent weeks, the Netherlands international has been strongly linked to Juventus, who emerged as the favourites to secure his services.

But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TuttoJuve), the Bianconeri’s head coach Luciano Spalletti prefers a more traditional No.9 to join Randal Kolo Muani upfront. Therefore, the management has turned to Atletico Madrid bomber Alexander Sorloth.

While the pink newspaper doesn’t completely rule out a move for Zirkzee, it insists that the latter is no longer considered Juve’s primary target.

Could Zirkzee’s stay prove to be a blessing in disguise for Man Utd?

In recent weeks, almost all reliable sources in the English media suggested that Man Utd would only sign a new striker if they could find Zirkzee a new club.

Therefore, Carrick’s treatment of the Dutchman could stem from a desire to push the player out of the club and replace him with a more suitable profile for his system.

Nevertheless, it should be said that Zirkzee possesses an elusive skill set that can make him a valuable asset for the club, even if he has struggled to express it on a consistent basis.

His quick and neat touch could have been useful at Hull, as Man Utd were agonisingly slow and sluggish in possession, which prevented them from breaking the opposition’s tight defensive lines.