Joshua Zirkzee has made his mind up about his future | OneFootball

Multiple Manchester United stars are expected to depart at the end of the season, with INEOS planning another squad overhaul.

Casemiro has already announced his departure, while Tyrell Malacia is expected to follow suit.

On-loan stars such as Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford are all set to earn permanent moves away from Old Trafford in the summer.

One forward who is still at the club and is unhappy with his lack of game-time is Joshua Zirkzee.

Joshua Zirkzee: Time up at United

The 24-year-old has cut a frustrated figure, starting a mere four Premier League games all season. Eyeing a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad, his reduced minutes have meant he is unlikely to make the trip to the United States.

Former head coach Ruben Amorim wanted him gone in January, but INEOS refused to weaken the squad.

The Dutchman‘s fortunes have not improved under Michael Carrick, with the forward playing for 28 minutes across four cameo appearances.

According to The Sun, he wants to quit once the current campaign concludes, with a return to the Serie A looking likely.

Joshua Zirkzee wants to leave

“MANCHESTER UNITED forward Joshua Zirkzee is eyeing a summer exit. Zirkzee, 24, has only started four times this season and is unlikely to make a return to the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.

“The former Bayern Munich youth-teamer has not made the starting XI since his half-time substitution in Ruben Amorim’s penultimate match in charge against Wolves on December 30.

“Amorim was open to letting Zirkzee leave in the winter transfer window yet the club hierarchy blocked any possible departure.

“Zirkzee, who also wanted to see out the season at United, has generated plenty of interest from Italian clubs dating back to last season, having joined United from Bologna in July 2024. Juventus and Roma enquired about Zirkzee’s availability earlier in the season and a return to Italy is possible for the Dutchman.”

Why he failed at United

The former Bologna star has been a disappointing signing due to his profile not matching the way the team wants to play.

He is not an elite striker, as seen from his nine goals in 69 appearances for the Red Devils. The former Bayern Munich starlet is much better in a withdrawn role, one that is not up for grabs at United.

That has meant he has had to play as a wide attacking midfielder and as a No.9 in games. The experiment clearly has not worked and, hopefully, the 20-time English league champions can offload him without making a loss on their initial £36.5 million investment.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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