Roma target Zirkzee given rare Manchester United start with Amorim advice | OneFootball

Roma transfer target Joshua Zirkzee is in the starting XI for Manchester United this evening, as Ruben Amorim insists he ‘needs to step up in the duels.’

The former Bologna striker is widely expected to be on the way out of Old Trafford in January, and a return to Serie A seems likely with Roma eager to snap him up.

However, Manchester United invested over €40m to sign him in the summer of 2024 and are not prepared to let the Dutchman leave without getting a decent deal.

Zirkzee signal sent by Amorim

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

A sign was sent to interested parties this evening when Amorim picked Zirkzee in the starting XI for the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“He just needs to do his part, show his talent, he’s a talented guy,” Amorim told Sky Sports UK.

“He needs to step up in the duels, because the rest he has that, the fans love it, but just that – do his job and have fun.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to kick-off ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old managed just one goal and zero assists in 12 games between the Premier League and EFL Cup so far this season.

This is only the fourth start that Zirkzee has enjoyed for Manchester United so far this campaign, the first since December 4 against West Ham United.