Man United ‘Willing to Sell’ Striker to Serie A Giants This Summer | OneFootball

Joshua Zirkzee Facing Early Manchester United Exit

Patience Runs Thin at Old Trafford

Twelve months is not long in football — unless you’re a Manchester United forward struggling for form. Joshua Zirkzee arrived at Old Trafford last summer with a promising résumé and the hope of bolstering United’s attack. Yet according to Caught Offside, the club may already be ready to cut ties: “It now seems that Man Utd could be ready to let Zirkzee go after just one season, with sources close to the situation informing CaughtOffside that he can leave for less than €40m.”

That revelation will alert clubs across Europe, with Serie A sides Juventus and Inter Milan already monitoring the situation. Fiorentina, too, are reportedly interested — particularly if they lose Moise Kean.

Photo IMAGO

Signs of Promise but Not Enough

Zirkzee’s time in Manchester hasn’t been devoid of hope. There were glimpses, particularly before his injury, that he might yet blossom into the striker many expected. As the report notes, “Before his injury, Zirkzee had arguably started to show some signs of real improvement.”

But in a team where goals have often been scarce and pressure ever-present, promise alone doesn’t always earn patience. With Ruben Amorim set to take charge and already expected to reshape the squad, decisions will need to be swift and decisive.

Loan Could Offer Lifeline

Zirkzee’s age — just 23 — and technical profile suggest there’s still untapped potential. For this reason, a loan may prove a more pragmatic solution than a permanent sale. “Zirkzee is understood to be of interest in a loan deal for Serie A clubs,” Caught Offside adds. That route would give the Dutchman space to rebuild confidence in a more familiar environment, while giving United time to reassess.

It’s a model that worked for Antony, whose form has reignited since joining Real Betis. “Even Antony has been able to get back to his best since joining Real Betis on loan in January.” Could Zirkzee follow a similar path?

Photo: IMAGO

Amorim’s Rebuild Begins

With Amorim expected to be handed the keys to a squad in need of refreshment, exits like Zirkzee’s — whether permanent or temporary — feel inevitable. United need a sharper cutting edge in attack, and the new manager will have his own ideas about the profile of player he wants leading the line.

The key will be ensuring the club doesn’t make another mistake it comes to regret. Zirkzee’s technical quality, awareness and versatility still hold value — and at less than €40m, clubs abroad will see this as a potential bargain.

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For Manchester United fans, Zirkzee’s situation is frustrating more than anything else. You want to believe in players who arrive with promise and technique, and in flashes, Zirkzee has shown that he can offer something different — hold-up play, clever movement, and the ability to drop into space.

But this season has been brutal. Injuries haven’t helped, and neither has the club’s inconsistency. While the idea of cutting losses for under €40m seems like shrewd business to some, it could easily be another case of giving up too soon on a player who simply needs the right platform.

The reality is that United haven’t consistently created an environment for young attackers to flourish. From Martial to Sancho and now Zirkzee, there’s a pattern. Perhaps a loan to Serie A — a league known for tactical development — would be the right call. Let him rebuild, gain confidence, and maybe return ready to contribute.

Amorim will bring new ideas, and if Zirkzee isn’t part of them, fair enough. But if there’s even a sliver of potential, United owe it to themselves to explore every option before selling. Let’s not add him to the growing list of talents who shone after we let them go.